A 3D-printed home of the future, powered by your car

A design team from Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the University of Tennessee, working with the private design firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill have created the first concept home that pairs the energy production and demand of the house with a car.

Their aim was to demonstrate that during peak power use, a car’s stored energy could be used to power a home, according to Fast Company. The system is more energy efficient because it avoids the loss of electricity inherent in pulling power long distances over the current energy grid.

Solar energy from panels on the home’s rooftop can be used to charge the car’s batteries through a wireless charging pad when supply outpaces demand. When the home needs power, it can then draw it from the hybrid natural gas-electric car.

The small home also makes use of energy efficient lighting and high-efficiency insulation. Its micro-kitchen was built by GE with efficiency as a priority.

The home is made with 3D-printed walls, also cutting down on energy costs and building materials. Using 3D technology also helped the designers modify the structure as needed during construction, with engineers printing new panels on demand.

The building materials can be ground up and re-printed as needed, eliminating waste if the building needs to be replaced.