Iowa State University College of Design is the primary grant recipient of the Iowa Innovative Housing Project. As a research university known for innovation, the College of Design stands out with innovative initiatives that emphasize care – both locally and globally. Dean of the College of Design, Luis Rico-Gutierrez shares, “Nationwide, rural housing issues are often overlooked. For Iowa State, they are central to our priorities as a land-grant institution. This funding allows us to address all aspects of the process, from planning to developing new building codes through construction and the impact on the quality of our lives.”

The Iowa Economic Development Authority is the sponsor for the 3D Affordable Innovative Technologies Housing Project, awarding a $1.4 million grant through the Strategic Infrastructure Program. The grant has provided funds to purchase 3D Construction Printers (3DCPs) and other equipment and materials for the design, research, testing, training, and demonstration. Collaborating with Iowa State University and Iowa Central Community College, project sites have been established dedicated to R&D, education, and hands-on training with 3DCP technology.

The Community Development Block Grant provided $549,256 to support 3D Construction Project Integration Management, curriculum development, and an affordability survey in partnership with Iowa Central Community College. This funding focused on training the future workforce through statewide workshops and assessing existing affordable housing initiatives. A complete first-year curriculum was developed and delivered at Iowa Central Community College, with instructional materials designed for adoption by any community college in Iowa. “We want to train students…not for next year, not for the next 5 years, but for the next 20 years, and the next 30 years” said Dan Oswald, Instructor, Carpentry Program at Iowa Central Community College.