< PreviousWRITTEN BY DAVID O’NEILL I ndustry is all about balance. Workload is managed by cost and labor. In turn, success is a causality of finding the right balance of all three. These metrics, however, only work when viewed through a purely fiscal lens. The world, its communities, and the needs of these people, are not figures and bottom lines. When we throw in the environmental component, the challenges become even greater still. What all this means is that the system of bal- ancing cost against demand is an archaic one that is no longer fit for purpose. Other, less tangible considerations need to be taken into account too. Take housing for instance, the equation is far more complex than ‘build more houses.’ For many reasons, social, financial and environmental, this is simply not possible. However, housing is such a fundamental element of society that it simply cannot be overlooked. UN-Habitat estimates that 3 billion people (around 40 per cent of the world’s population) will need access to adequate housing by the year 2030. The organization is also clear on the vital need for a change in these numbers. “Access to housing is a precondition for access to employment, education, health, and social services. In order to address the current housing challenges, all levels of government should put housing at the center of urban policies by placing people and human rights at the forefront of urban sustainable development.” So, how do we remedy this? How do we rebalance the equation, factoring in these newer, more complex, considerations? | 50 JUNE 2024| 51 APEIRON CONSTRUCTIONNorth America, and much of Europe too, finds itself in the midst of a housing crisis. Post-pandemic, communities are struggling to meet demands with an ever-growing list of fac- tors that are vying for attention. Speed, cost, environmental considerations, not to mention the growing number of home- less people and families. It is an ever-growing challenge that seems to be getting worse, rather than better. This is where the question of balance comes in. Oftentimes, by using tech- nology such as 3D printing to prioritize speed and cost, envi- ronmental elements are overlooked. Concrete, due to its cost and ease of use, becomes the go-to material. By addressing one issue, another rears its head. In Maine, things are reaching a crisis point. MaineHousing has estimated that around 25,000 new housing units are currently needed to address the demand for homes. As costs climb to an all-time high and global events are displacing vast numbers of people, these figures are surely set to get worse before they improve. A recent report from MaineHousing is illuminating in this regard. “In 2022, the benchmark for mea- suring homelessness in Maine continued to be the annual Point-in-Time (PIT) Count, a federally required survey of sheltered and unsheltered persons experiencing homeless- ness on a single night in January. In 2021, (the first full year of the pandemic) there was a decline in the PIT due to no unsheltered count being done that year. In 2022, there was a dramatic increase from 1,097 in 2021 to 3,455 in 2022.” One project in the state, however, is viewing the situation through a different lens. How could the individual elements of this crisis all be answered in tandem? Is there a way to combine fast, cost-effecting housing that is also environ- mentally sound? The answer, thankfully, is yes. The project is aiming to produce a community of 600-sq-ft, 3D-Printed, “The truly remarkable element of this project is that the houses themselves will be 100 percent recyclable.” | 52 JUNE 2024bio-based houses for those experiencing homelessness. The truly remarkable element of this project is that the houses themselves will be 100 percent recyclable. 3D Housing has gathered a foothold in the construction industry due to its many benefits. It generates significantly less waste than traditional building methods while minimum space is needed to transport materials which brings down many factors such as energy, transportation and storage. In fact, such is the increase in its use, a recent report suggests that 3D printed construction will increase by an incredible 91% by the year 2028. BioHome 3D is taking things even further. The company is pro- ducing the world’s first 3D-Printed house made entirely from bio-based, recyclable materials. As they explain, the method now allows for a simplified, cost effective and sustainable model of home design that is set to flourish. “Designed to address labor shortages and supply chain issues that are driving high costs and constricting the supply of affordable housing. Less time is required on-site building and fitting up the home due to the use of automated manufacturing and off-site production. Printing using abundant, renewable, locally sourced wood fiber feedstock reduces dependence on a constrained supply chain.” | 53 APEIRON CONSTRUCTIONThe prototype was developed at the University of Maine Advanced Structures and Composites Centre (ASCC) through funding from the U.S. Dept. of Energy. Speaking about the innovation, Gov. Janey Mills said: “Our state is facing the perfect storm of a housing crisis and labor short- age, but the University of Maine is stepping up once again to show that we can address these serious challenges with trademark Maine ingenuity.” According to those at UMaine, the need for this development is the unquestionable dam- age that traditional construction methods are having on the environment. “The construction industry accounts for 39% of global carbon emissions. Sequestering 46 tons of carbon-dioxide for each 600-square-foot unit, BioHome3D stands as a pivotal solution for the construction industry. This technology addresses both operational and embodied carbon, and sets precedents for both sustainable construc- tion material production and manufacturing.” The houses differ from other 3D printed methods in a number of ways. Each module is 100% additively manufactured with walls, floors and roofs all being 3D printed. The houses are insulated with wood fiber insulation and are 100% recyclable. According to Gov. Mills, the project is an example of highly cre- ative thinking that will bring positive change to the people of Maine and beyond. “With its innovative BioHome3D, UMaine’s Advanced Structures and Composites Center is thinking cre- atively about how we can safely tackle our housing shortage, strengthen our forest products industry, and deliver people a safe place to live so that they can contribute to our economy.” With the rise of 3D printing, it makes sense that the next step on this path is more sustainable practices in this regard. As the demand for sustainable building practices ramps up even further, we can expect to see much more of the BioHome 3D in the near future. composites.umaine.edu/biohome3d All photos by BioHome3D | 54 JUNE 2024| 55 APEIRON CONSTRUCTIONWRITTEN BY BY AOIFE CHANEY A t the foundation of every construction project is, quite literally, the earth upon which it is built. Whether it be industrial, commercial, or residential, it can be argued that preparing the land for the vertical building process is the most critical and complex step. Site development profession- als mass grade and shape the raw land, build roads, install utility infrastructure, all while navigating a world of unknowns that exists below our feet. Wynn Site Development, based in Raleigh, North Carolina, has been providing comprehensive site development ser- vices for more than 16 years. Founded in 2007 by Lee Smith and Tommy Brinley, Jr Jr., the company has established itself as a trusted partner for its long-time, repeat customer base. Forward planning and continued process improvement has led to steady growth and has made Wynn one of the largest and most dynamic site development contractors in the area. Lee joins me today alongside business development analyst, Michael Molinaro, to tell me the story of how it all began. From its office in south Raleigh, Wynn Site’s operations cur- rently extend about 80 miles in all directions. The company | 56 JUNE 2024boasts an impressive roster of over two-hundred employees, alongside a robust collection of 235 pieces of heavy machin- ery and more than 100 vehicles in its fleet. Vice President Lee Smith highlights the company's strong relationships and repeat business, noting, "We do a lot of repeat business and we’ve had some customers with us since day one. I think that says a lot about our company." Founded in 2007, Wynn Site Development quickly faced the challenges of the recession. Yet, according to Lee, the company emerged "unscathed," a testament to its resilience and strategic prowess in navigating economic downturns. This ability to thrive under pressure underscores the essen- tial nature of site development, a field that continues to see demand through all economic conditions. Lee proudly acknowledges the company's substantial revenue growth over the years, positioning Wynn Site Development among the top four site development firms in the region. This growth not only showcases the company's excellence and lead- ership in the industry but also its commitment to providing top- notch services and fostering lasting relationships with clients. | 57 APEIRON CONSTRUCTIONADD VERSATILITY TO YOUR JOB SITE Compact construction equipment from Gregory Poole provides stability, efficiency, and versatility to any job site, big or small. By purchasing a Cat® compact machine, you are not only guaranteed high performance and the newest innovations in technology, but also the reliable customer-focused service of the Gregory Poole team. 919.828.0641 Contact us today! www.gregorypoole.com President Tommy Brinley, Jr and Vice President Lee Smith bring a wealth of experience to their roles and remain actively involved in the company's operations. Lee mentions, “Our customers can still call us directly if they need to.” Tommy, who has been part of the industry since childhood, oversees field operations, while Lee, leveraging his accounting exper- tise, primarily handles financial management. Over time, they've assembled a dependable core team responsible for the company's daily activities. Lee points out, "Most of our key guys have been here for eight or nine years, so we have really good employee retention.” This strong retention of employees and customers enables Wynn Site Develop- ment to grow while preserving the close-knit, family-owned atmosphere foundational to its success. This commitment to collective success binds the leadership, employees, and customers in a shared vision. Wynn has a history of delivering high-quality projects across commercial, residential, and industrial domains. Lee details the array of services Wynn Site Development brings to these sectors. Offering land clearing, grading, and comprehensive erosion control solutions are just the start. The company also expertly handles the installation of essential public utilities, including potable water lines, storm drainage, sanitary sewer and sewage pump stations, all managed in-house. Wynn also employs several specialty crews that focus on detailed road- way construction and soil stabilization. | 58 JUNE 2024We’ve got your back at every angle. At Fortiline, we're not just suppliers; we're partners in progress. Serving a diverse clientele ranging from small municipalities to large, multi-state corporations, we understand the unique needs of every customer, big or small. www.fortiline.com Lee showcases several of Wynn Site Development's suc- cessful endeavors, highlighting a diverse client base that includes both loyal and new customers. It's clear that many newcomers become repeat clients, drawn back by excep- tional service. Among the highlighted projects is Falls Village in Durham, North Carolina, described by Lee as one of their largest undertakings. This residential project, in partnership with Stanley Martin Homes, uniquely incorporates a neigh- borhood within a golf course layout. With a challenging timeline, Falls Village represents a significant opportunity for success for both the client and Wynn Site Development. Another noteworthy project is High Grove Oaks, a develop- ment of 200 homes situated in the vibrant community of Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina. This project, carried out for Mattamy Homes—a repeat client over several years—exem- plifies the strong, ongoing relationships Wynn Site Develop- ment maintains with its partners. Additionally, the Bexford Subdivision, also in Fuquay-Varina, for the national developer Forestar, boasts 900 homesites. Kicked off in late summer, the project is progressing smoothly and is expected to complete its first phase by this summer. Bexford subdivision Fuquay-Varina, NCNext >