the future of homebuilding

Texas antiquing hotspot welcomes world’s first near zero carbon 3D-printed homes

Photo courtesy of Hive 3D Builders

The future of sustainable home construction is here. Residents in the Texas town of Round Top are getting the first look at 3D printed homes created by HIVE 3D Builders and Eco Material Technologies, the largest producer of sustainable materials.

The 3D printed homes are part of The Casitas at The Halles, a new collection of affordable and environmentally sustainable 400- to 900-square-foot homes in the town's most popular retail and event venue. The casitas can be configured with studio, single-bedroom, or two-bedroom floor plans.

"These small homes will serve as a model for affordable and eco-friendly housing throughout the country," said Hive 3D CEO Timothy Lankau in a press release. "We plan to build them at a speed and cost point that is unprecedented in the affordable housing space."

Every home is being constructed using Hive 3D's PozzoCEM Vite cement replacement material, which creates 92 percent less emissions than traditional cement. PozzoCEM Vite also sets in a matter of minutes, rather than the typical one to two days it takes for regular cement to set.

Additionally, Hive 3D and Eco Materials collaborated to develop a new way to mix their materials with specially-modified commercial mixing equipment, thus further reducing production costs.

Eco Materials Technologies CEO Grant Quasha said in the release that Hive 3D's goal to construct 3D printed homes using their materials similarly aligns with his company's own goal to change the construction industry for the better, while improving overall carbon emissions.

"While we are known as the largest supplier of sustainable cement alternatives for large scale infrastructure projects, we are proud to be able to work with forward-thinking innovators like the team at Hive 3D to provide residential solutions as well," Quasha said. "These homes are cost efficient, beautiful and sustainable in many senses of the word."

More information about the casitas can be found on hive3dbuilders.com.

Photo courtesy of Hive 3D Builders

The homes will have studio, single-bedroom, and two-bedroom floor plans.

housing homes houston austin

Closure News

Furniture chain American Freight closing Austin and all other stores

American Freight

There's a big sale going on at American Freight.

There's a huge sale on furniture going down right now, but for a sad reason: American Freight, a chain of furniture stores operating in dozens of states, is permanently shuttering all 328 locations, due to “sustained inflation and macroeconomic challenges,” according to its parent company.

That includes one store in Austin, at 13435 N. Highway 183, Ste. 101.

The closing comes after its parent company, Franchise Group, Inc., filed for bankruptcy protection, according to documents filed in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware.

Store closing sales began on November 5, both online and at its 328 locations. Hilco Consumer-Retail is managing these sales for American Freight as the business winds down its operations nationwide. Significant discounts are being offered on the brand's full assortment of inventory.

Shoppers can save up to 30 percent off the lowest ticketed prices storewide. Available items include living room sets, bedroom furniture, dining tables, and a selection of scratch & dent and new in-box appliances, such as refrigerators, washers and dryers.

New inventory is arriving and expected to move quickly, so customers should take advantage of this prime opportunity to enjoy exceptional deals before it's too late.

"Our goal is to deliver outstanding value to customers during this full chain closing sale," said Ian Fredericks, CEO of Hilco Consumer-Retail. "Everything is on sale and must be sold, and we recommend shopping early for the best selection."

During the store closing sales, select American Freight financing and delivery services will remain available to customers, presenting a unique opportunity to shop exceptional discounts with the convenience of flexible payment and home delivery.

The chain has 39 stores in Texas.

Sale Details
They're offering up to 30 percent off the lowest ticketed prices on furniture, scratch & dent, and new in-box appliances. Discounts are valid in stores and online. All sales are final, of course. Shop now for the best selection while supplies last.

closings