concrete plans

Innovative 3D-printed affordable housing development rises in Houston

What’s being promoted as the world’s first large-scale affordable housing development built using 3D technology is taking shape in Houston.

Houston-based 3D construction company HiveASMBLD has teamed up with Houston-based Cole Klein Builders and the City of Houston on the Zuri Gardens project. Located near Hobby Airport on Martindale Road, the first 3D-printed home at Zuri Gardens is set to be completed in October.

“Zuri Gardens was born from the frustration of watching hardworking families get priced out of safe, resilient housing. We knew there had to be a better way — and with this project, we’re proving that there is,” says Vanessa Cole, co-founder of Cole Klein Builders. “By combining visionary design, advanced construction technology, and powerful partnerships, we’re building more than just homes — we’re creating a blueprint for the future of equitable homeownership in Houston and beyond.”

The development is being created for households earning up to 120 percent of the median income in the Houston metro area. For a four-member household in the Houston area, the 120 percent limit in 2025 is $121,300, as set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

The 13-acre Zuri Gardens development will feature 80 energy-efficient homes averaging 1,360 square feet. Prices will be in the mid- to high $200s. The homes will qualify for up to $125,000 in down payment assistance from the City of Houston.

HiveASMBLD will print two different home designs, each with two-bedroom and two-and-a-half bathroom configurations, along with an office/flex space and a covered patio.

“The community we envision for Zuri Gardens is modern, safe, and one that residents will be proud to call home. When completed using HiveASMBLD’s innovative technology, this 3D-printed multifamily community will exemplify the future of residential affordable living,” says Timothy Lankau, founder and co-CEO of HiveASMBLD.

Developments like Zuri Gardens are popping up around the country.

“3D-printed homes are revolutionizing the construction industry by making home builds faster, cheaper, and more sustainable,” according to The Zebra, an Austin-based insurance marketplace. “In less than 24 hours, 3D printers can print the foundation and walls for a small home at a fraction of the cost of typical construction.”

U.S. News & World Report explains that unlike a traditional home, a 3D-printed home is printed in place, “just like you’d print a knickknack on your home 3D printer. Layer by layer, proprietary concrete blends are used to build the wall systems of the home in any type of design that a builder can imagine.”

Texas is home to several trailblazing 3D-printed projects.

In the U.S., the first 3D-printed home was built in 2018 in Austin, and the first 3D-printed multistory home was completed in 2023 in Harris County’s Spring Branch neighborhood. Meanwhile, the world’s largest neighborhood of 3D-printed homes is located in the Austin suburb of Georgetown.

Grand View Research predicts the global market for 3D-printed construction will approach $4.2 billion by 2030.

Courtesy of HiveASMBLD

Prices will be in the mid- to high $200s.

ZIP-ing to TX

These 2 Houston neighbors are the hottest ZIP codes to move to in 2026

16815 Seminole Ridge Drive, Cypress home for sale, Houston home for sale

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This modern farmhouse-style home in Cypress' 77433 neighborhood is on the market for $475,000.

A new migration report has reaffirmed Texas as one of the hottest destinations for movers during the first half of 2026, and two Houston neighbors — Katy and Cypress — are attracting more movers than almost any other ZIP code in America.

Nearly 5.3 million moves were recorded throughout the U.S. during the first six months of the year, according to MovingPlace's new 2026 mid-year migration report. An astounding eight of the top 10 U.S. ZIP codes attracting the most movers are based in Texas, with Katy's 77493 ZIP code ranking No. 4 nationally for the highest number of moves during that timeframe.

Nearly 2,700 moves have been recorded in 77493, which spans Houston Executive Airport to the west and spans east toward Park Row. The ZIP code covers a small portion between I-10 and U.S. 90 to the south, and stretches as far north as Katy Hockley Road and Sharp Road.

Katy has blossomed into a bustling boomtown over the last several years, and MovingPlace says it's one of the fastest-growing suburban communities in the greater Houston area.

"The area’s appeal comes from its combination of new construction, strong school districts, and access to major employment corridors in west Houston," the report's author wrote. "Large-scale residential development has allowed Katy to absorb continued demand from families seeking space and suburban amenities."

The city boasts a population of about 62,300 residents, a median household income of $118,464, and its median home price sits at $321,900, according to MovingPlace's data.

Cypress' 77433 ZIP code ranked No. 7 nationally on MovingPlace's top 10 list of the hottest ZIP codes by total move volume so far in 2026. The city's population has surpassed 112,000 residents with 2,518 new moves recorded during the first half of the year.

The report designates Cypress as an attractive place for families thanks to its "extensive master-planned communities and continued suburban growth." Homes in the 77433 area have a median price of $384,400.

"The area’s newer housing stock, strong schools, and proximity to major employment centers have made it a preferred destination for families," the report said. "And as Houston expands westward, Cypress continues to capture a significant share of regional housing demand."

These are the top 10 hottest ZIP codes in America right now:

No. 1 – New Braunfels, Texas (78130)
No. 2 – McKinney, Texas (75071)
No. 3 – Leander, Texas (78641)
No. 4 – Katy, Texas (77493)
No. 5 – Winter Garden, Florida (34787)
No. 6 – Pflugerville, Texas (78660)
No. 7 – Cypress, Texas (77433)
No. 8 – Summerville, South Carolina (29486)
No. 9 – Aubrey, Texas (76227)
No. 10 – San Antonio, Texas (78253)