In the charming town of Buena Vista, Colorado, a bright solution is blooming amidst challenges like wildfire risks and the need for affordable housing. Residents are embracing an exciting innovation: 3D-printed homes.

Recently, two lovely homes were completed by VeroTouch, a construction technology company that champions the belief that housing is a fundamental human right. Their mission is to spark solutions to the housing crisis through creativity and investment from the private sector.

These homes, each measuring around 1,100 square feet, are crafted using a remarkable concrete material developed by COBOD, a pioneering 3D printing firm. The design of these homes is unique and inspiring, showcasing the creativity that 3D printing can bring to construction. One home features a layered concrete aesthetic typical of many 3D-printed structures, while the other presents a classic stucco finish.

COBOD proudly states that the walls of these homes provide exceptional fire resistance, which is particularly important in Colorado, where nearly half the population resides in areas susceptible to wildfires. Their concrete walls “offer the highest level of fire resistance and do not fuel combustion at any stage,” ensuring safety for all who dwell within.

The construction of these innovative homes is impressively swift. One exterior structure was finished in just 16 days, demonstrating how this automated building method enables faster development of homes while enhancing safety against wildfire risks. VeroTouch is committed to supporting local employment by introducing this cutting-edge technology in Colorado. The company has also received funding from the state’s Innovative Housing Incentive Program, which aims to support the construction of 7,500 homes statewide over the next three years.

The success of the VeroVista project has paved the way for an even larger endeavor: a 32-home neighborhood in nearby Salida, another area facing wildfire challenges. Surveys indicate that every property in Salida carries some risk of wildfire over the next 30 years, making this 3D printing technology crucial for providing safe and reliable housing.

Governor Jared Polis expressed pride in the innovative housing solutions being introduced, stating, “The unveiling of these 3D-printed homes is a great example of how we can support new building methods to create more housing now.” Eve Liebmann, the executive director of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, echoed this sentiment by commending VeroTouch for its role in increasing the supply of housing, allowing more Coloradans to remain in the communities they cherish.

While the two VeroVista homes are priced at $625,000 each—aligning with average prices in Colorado's mountain communities—they offer a level of stability and protection that traditional wood-frame homes may not, especially in a changing climate. As VeroTouch’s CEO Grant Hamel noted, “In an era of fast housing, VeroTouch is creating legacy homes that can be passed down, rather than torn down.” He further emphasized the unmatched resilience these homes provide against natural disasters, predicting they will stand strong for a century.

As the vision for future projects in Salida unfolds, stakeholders are eager to see how 3D construction will contribute to the creation of faster, more sustainable, and affordable homes. Philip Lund-Nielsen, co-founder and head of Americas at COBOD International, highlighted the advantages of this method, stating, “3D construction printing provides a safer, more efficient, and sustainable way to build.” He believes that Colorado’s investment in this technology will not only address local housing needs but also serve as a model for solutions across the United States.

With such promising developments, Buena Vista is not just building homes; it is nurturing a brighter future filled with hope and innovation.