3D-Concrete Printing Completed on Los Angeles County's First Approved 3D-Printed Home
PCI Builders and RIC Robotics reach a major construction milestone on the Spanish-style Altadena residence, which is being rebuilt following the Eaton Fire
ALTADENA, CA - September 16, 2026 - The 3D-concrete printing phase has been completed on Los Angeles County's first approved 3D-printed home, marking a major construction milestone for homeowner Cindy Lopez and a significant step forward for post-wildfire rebuilding in Altadena. Now advancing through the remaining stages of construction, the residence will replace the home Cindy lost in the Eaton Fire, which destroyed more than 9,000 structures across the community.
Led by PCI Builders in partnership with RIC Robotics, which printed the home's concrete wall system, the project also drew on Stone River Dynamics’ field expertise and hands-on support throughout the printing process. Together, the team demonstrated how advanced construction technology can deliver a highly customized residential design while providing an alternative to conventional wood-framed construction. Plumbing and electrical work are now progressing through inspection, and roof trusses are on site as construction continues. The completed home will also incorporate Sonic Fire Tech’s waterless, sound-based fire-suppression technology as part of a layered approach to resilience.
“Losing my home in the Eaton Fire was devastating, but I knew I wanted to rebuild in a way that felt safer and more forward-looking,” said Lopez. “This home represents more than my own recovery, I hope it helps other families see what is possible while encouraging local governments to recognize and invest in 3D-concrete printing as a meaningful option for communities facing increasing wildfire risk.”
Cindy first began working with PCI Builders in fall 2024, before losing her home in the Eaton Fire. Following the fire, Allison began researching more fire-resilient approaches to rebuilding and introduced Cindy to 3D-concrete printing.
“When Cindy lost her home, our goal was not simply to replace what had been there, but to help her rebuild with greater confidence in the future,” said Allison Allain, Founder & CEO of PCI Builders. “By bringing together thoughtful design and 3D-concrete printing, we are showing that building for resilience does not mean sacrificing design, character or individuality."
The home's Spanish-style architecture presented one of the most complex residential designs RIC Robotics had undertaken. After reviewing the drawings, the RIC team spent significant time determining how its robotic system could navigate the design and execute its intricate features, including arched windows, sills and headers. Rather than asking the project team to simplify the plans around the technology, RIC found a way to print the home as it was intended to be built.
"This project demanded creativity, patience and a willingness to solve challenges in real time," said Ziyou Xu, Founder of RIC Robotics. "“Our team was committed to preserving the design Cindy envisioned, further demonstrating that robotic construction can support architectural expression rather than limit it."
The team's work extended beyond printing. At the outset, PCI Builders and its partners had to establish a construction approach that was technically feasible and acceptable to Los Angeles County. Navigating constructability, permitting and inspection requirements for an emerging residential building method created a pathway that could help inform future 3D concrete-printed projects in Altadena and other communities.
The project also highlights the broader potential of 3D concrete printing in wildfire-prone areas across California, Washington, Colorado and beyond. The process can place material precisely where it is needed, reducing formwork, excess material, construction waste and the on-site footprint associated with conventional concrete construction. It can also support advanced material formulations, including fiber reinforcement and geopolymer-based mixes, that may enhance durability, structural performance and thermal behavior.
Altadena's recovery presents distinct challenges. As an unincorporated community, it relies on Los Angeles County for permitting, public safety and many recovery functions. The project underscores the need to educate homeowners, builders, government officials, permitting authorities and insurers about emerging alternatives to conventional wood construction and the role they could play in communities facing increasing wildfire risk.
For the project team, the residence is both a proof point and an educational opportunity, a demonstration that greater resilience, advanced technology and architectural character do not have to be mutually exclusive. It also offers a real-world case study that could help public officials and insurers better evaluate resilient construction methods as more communities confront the need to rebuild after wildfires.
About RIC Robotics
RIC Robotics is a global pioneer in large-scale construction robotics, specializing in robotic building technologies and 3D concrete printing systems designed to modernize the construction industry. Its robots have completed several first-of-their-kind projects, including 3D-printed additions for Walmart. Through its mobile robotic platforms, RIC Robotics supports commercial, residential and infrastructure construction with capabilities spanning robotic 3D printing, architectural design, customized material solutions, training and technical support. For more information, visit ricrobotics.com.
Source: RIC Robotics.
