by drastically reducing construction costs and timelines, making housing accessible to more people than ever before,” says Hall. “Moreover, it allows us to customize the design to reflect the uniqueness of our community and its people.” The method is really something to behold, and can be seen in videos posted by the Nation online. It employs a robotic arm hanging from a gantry system to extrude concrete layers, forming the foundation and walls of the house. The printer, utilizing a proprietary concrete mix produced on-site, requires fewer construction steps, resulting in faster construction times, reduced material waste, and smaller crews. Ultimately, these 3-D printed homes cost 30 per cent less than traditional construction, with added benefits such as doubleveneer walls and R40 insulation for lower heating costs. Hall collaborated with students from the University of Calgary’s Master of Architecture program, Eldon Weasel Child, a knowledge keeper, and Bren Little Light to infuse Blackfoot tipi teachings into the design. The result is a set of custom homes that harmoniously blend traditional Blackfoot living with modern efficiency. Designed with sustainability in mind, the homes minimize waste, reduce carbon emissions, and utilize locally-sourced materials. This aligns with both environmental and community values, 5
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