Michigan’s very first 3D-printed house can be found in Detroit just blocks away from the Detroit River and the Belle Isle Bridge. The 988ft², two-bedroom home was designed and created by Citizen Robotics, a Detroit-based non-profit that aims to reduce the cost of housing construction through the use of robotic printing tools and techniques. The walls of the 3D-printed home were created using a robotic arm bought secondhand from an automotive factory in Chicago. These wall pieces—which took five days to print—were then transported to the new home site where they were connected. From there, plumbing and electrical were added and features such as the stucco siding, pitched roof, and front porch flower planters were added.
Citizen Robotics was founded in 2020 by father/daughter duo Tom and Evelyn Woodman. Tom is an MIT-educated technologist attracted to tech that solves a real human need. Evelyn has a passion for equal opportunity and representation in housing and design and is focused on making housing more accessible and equitable.
Gardner White had the great honor of staging this 3D-printed home for public viewing. The living room, dining room, and bedroom furniture pieces can all be found in stores and online at www.gardner-white.com. Along with a selection of our furniture collections, the home features a coffee table, side table, and wall decor that are part of an upcoming partnership between us and Detroit-based artist Mike Han. These pieces are coming soon.
At Gardner White, we are deeply dedicated to the community and our mission of changing lives through furniture. This project is incredibly unique and important as it demonstrates new possibilities in making housing more affordable and accessible while introducing new technology that will make a positive, lasting impact.
The technology of 3D printing has opened endless possibilities in our industry and the incredible Citizen Robotics project truly demonstrates that the sky is the limit. We are thrilled to support their efforts and also provide a sneak peek of an exciting 3D printed furniture collaboration coming soon to Gardner White. Our team works diligently to anticipate trends and technological advancements, and with the incredible history of local manufacturing right here in our hometown, this is only the beginning of exciting things to come.
Rachel Stewart, President of Gardner White
An official ribbon cutting for the home was held on Thursday, February 22nd. Neighborhood residents, students, and contractors spoke about what this home means for the community and the future of home building in Detroit and beyond. Evelyn Woodman closed out the ceremony by speaking about the movement Citizen Robotics inspires.
