There's a new dimension to this problem. Azure Homes is 3D printing tiny homes/ADUs from recycled/waste plastic—arguably a good use of an abundant waste material to meet an urgent need. One of their principal markets is California ADUs. While I can certainly see a great argument for preferring hemp-lime or strawbale or cobb construction in fire-prone regions (like much of CA), I wonder if there's a way to meet the soaring demand for housing with this reclaimed material without excluding it due to its potential drawbacks. Perhaps there could be an end-of-life "toxicity rating" for materials used in long-term/permanent items like housing, such that biocomposites would pay a lower tax (property tax? sales tax on materials? build-permit rider? not sure how to apply it) compared with 3D printed plastic homes, but both would be encouraged to meet demand. A worthy discussion to have.
There's a new dimension to this problem. Azure Homes is 3D printing tiny homes/ADUs from recycled/waste plastic—arguably a good use of an abundant waste material to meet an urgent need. One of their principal markets is California ADUs. While I can certainly see a great argument for preferring hemp-lime or strawbale or cobb construction in fire-prone regions (like much of CA), I wonder if there's a way to meet the soaring demand for housing with this reclaimed material without excluding it due to its potential drawbacks. Perhaps there could be an end-of-life "toxicity rating" for materials used in long-term/permanent items like housing, such that biocomposites would pay a lower tax (property tax? sales tax on materials? build-permit rider? not sure how to apply it) compared with 3D printed plastic homes, but both would be encouraged to meet demand. A worthy discussion to have.