In Niederanven, a commune located east of Luxembourg City, a groundbreaking residence is transforming the landscape of affordable housing. Known as **Tiny House LUX**, this is Luxembourg’s first fully 3D-printed home, designed by **ODA Architects** in collaboration with **Coral Construction Technologies**. The project seeks to address the country’s persistent housing crisis by offering a quicker, more cost-effective, and energy-efficient solution.
The construction of this modest **47 square meter** home was completed in less than **28 hours** per phase, a remarkable reduction in build time compared to traditional masonry or timber methods. This innovation is crucial in a nation facing a severe housing shortage, with a demand for approximately **7,000 new apartments** annually, while only around **4,000** are constructed each year. The imbalance contributes to rising housing prices, with a **47 m²** apartment in the capital often exceeding **€560,000**. In contrast, the estimated cost of **Tiny House LUX** is about one-third less, making entry-level housing more accessible to residents.
Energy Efficiency and Design
Energy performance is a cornerstone of the Tiny House LUX project. Equipped with solar panels, the home generates enough electricity to meet daily needs. A film-based underfloor heating system eliminates the requirement for water pipes, radiators, or boilers. After printing, the walls are filled with insulation made from low-impact materials, significantly reducing long-term energy consumption. The architects focus on simplicity, opting for systems that are easy to operate, maintain, and repair, avoiding complex engineering that could lead to higher costs later.
Inside the home, the layout promotes efficient living. A small south-facing entrance leads to a corridor that connects key areas, including a technical space, bathroom, and bedroom. An open living, dining, and kitchen area forms a seamless space to the left of the entrance. A door opens onto a terrace that connects the indoor environment with outdoor space and the surrounding garden. Windows facing north and northeast allow natural light to flood the interior, demonstrating that a compact footprint can be bright and connected to nature.
Innovative Construction and Community Impact
The 3D printing process not only accelerates construction but also minimizes waste, reduces reliance on heavy machinery, and decreases labor requirements by following precise digital instructions. The municipality of **Niederanven** has embraced this innovation by leasing the home to a young resident for ten years under its **Hei wunne bleiwen** initiative, which aims to support community engagement and provide starter housing. Additionally, to mitigate construction emissions, the project has committed to planting **21 trees**.
While **Tiny House LUX** currently serves as a prototype, its potential is evident. It represents a new construction method that integrates architectural intelligence with an urgent response to housing needs, offering a practical and scalable model for affordable, low-energy housing not only in Luxembourg but potentially in other regions facing similar challenges. The success of this project could set a precedent for future developments, paving the way for innovative housing solutions worldwide.