Oklahoma Lawmaker Proposes 3D-Printed Homes Study To Address Affordable Housing

For many Oklahoma City families, buying a home is not an option. 

One lawmaker wants to study creative 3D technology to reduce construction costs. Some state leaders are optimistic about its possibilities. 

They hope to use the technology to solve Oklahoma’s lack of affordable housing. Greg Shinn with the Oklahoma City Housing Authority pointed to the data. 

“There’s a huge gap,” said Shinn, talking about the demand for affordable homes. “It feels like it’s overwhelming.” 

The OKC waitlist for public and Section 8 housing lists more than 29,000 families. “They’re considered severely cost-burdened,” Shinn said. 

He said many Oklahoma families face imminent chances of homelessness.  

“It takes one medical bill; your car breaks down,” Shinn said. 

Shinn’s office assists people with affordable housing – but it can’t keep up. “It’s just not enough when you look at these numbers,” Shinn said. 

Rep. Mickey Dollens, (D-Oklahoma City), is exploring private-sector solutions. “There’s an innovative technology that shows a lot of promise,” Dollens said. 

Dollens proposed an interim study to study the laws, regulations, and repairs needed to allow 3D-printed homes to be built at affordable prices. “Consider all the different ways that we could go about building these,” Dollens said. “This is gonna prove very beneficial for smaller houses.”  

Safety is on Dollens's mind. He said the goal is to build quality homes without the high price tag. “We don’t wanna cut any corners,” Dollens said. 

 Dollens said limiting corporate control is also important. “A prohibition on any corporate ownership on these homes going forward,” Dollens said. 

Shinn said housing investment saves taxpayers’ money and creates jobs. “Those are lasting jobs because the housing will be sustainable,” Shinn said. “Things we never dreamed of are possible now.” 

However, Shinn believes the financial security of its people measures the health of a community. “We all benefit from that,” Shinn said. 

Dollens said the results of this study will direct them on their legislative priorities next session. Dollens said a company out of Austin, Texas called Icon is leading the way for 3D-printed homes.