Resources

Primarily in Alaska and other cold/remote environments but we are expanding our research to Island communities with warmer weather but similar problems. We produce work that is intended to be transferable to other regions facing severe climate, logistics, or construction constraints.

More about where we work

XHI is a research nonprofit and field-validation partner, not a retail builder. We work with communities, agencies, and implementers to validate methods, de-risk adoption, and publish what works so others can deliver at scale.

XHI is not, at heart, a general contractor. We are a research-and-demonstration organization: we test, document, and de-risk approaches so communities, partners, and builders can implement proven solutions more confidently. We want to assist builders, governments and housing authorities integrate cost effective solutions.

We avoid headline numbers that are not yet supported by measured datasets. Quantitative claims are qualified and published with citations and evidence as results mature.

Projects and published reports

No. In our work, 3D printing refers to structural concrete printing used as part of a complete building system with conventional finishes and MEP integration.

Yes. XHI’s work includes rapidly deployable housing concepts where speed, logistics, energy performance, and reliability are the governing constraints. Check out Polar Tough Homes (PTH) for some solutions we have developed.

Primarily in Alaska and other cold/remote environments but expanding to Island communities with warmer weather but similar problems. XHI can share best practices and research findings and can participate in funded scopes related to testing, evaluation, and documentation. Much of what we do is focused on materials development, Construction Automation, and precision remote manufacturing of buildings for remote deployment. We rely on key partners like the Cold Climate Housing Research Center, Penn State University and the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Their research and investigative skills are put to work in our applied solutions. We are applied scientists and practical problem solvers more than pure research scientists: it’s work that is intended to be transferable to other regions facing severe climate, logistics, or construction constraints.

No. XHI designs for Arctic reality, which can include permafrost considerations, but projects are not limited to permafrost sites. Where feasible, stable geology (e.g., bedrock) can be a preferred foundation pathway depending on location and constraints.

No. XHI is a research and implementation-focused organization that evaluates construction methods (including 3DCP) for real-world use in cold/remote conditions. However our groundbreaking work has been a key input to the development of the XHAB3D printer. Our team has experience with lots of different 3D and 3DCP tools. If you are a 3DCP manufacturer and want to test your products to the extreme, contact us. We would love to test your solution in the living laboratory that is Alaska.

Not yet, but we are working on it. Typically, 3D printing covers wall systems or specific structural elements. Generally, foundations, roofs, MEP (mechanical/electrical/plumbing), and finishes are often delivered using traditional means. However, our goal remains to build usable structures with local materials, from processing the raw materials into a usable form to giving the key to the new owner. The industry has a long, long way to go, but we are on the journey. Our goal is that each step we take should provide practical benefits to the world.

Yes—through an assessment that typically looks at: local materials, logistics, workforce availability, site constraints, schedule, total cost of ownership, and code/inspection pathways.

No, but yes. XHI itself is not set up to do the actual tests. But we are very good at collecting the samples. Our partners locally are the University of Alaska Fairbanks, Penn State University for the lower 48, and Eindhoven University in the Netherlands. With tested local materials we can partner with organizations like SIKA USA or XHAB 3D and your local cement manufacturer. Contact us if you are a University, a Concrete or Precast production facility, or even someone simply interested in building a 3DCP structure,

XHI can share research findings and decision frameworks. The right choice depends on fuel availability, maintenance capacity, electricity pricing/reliability, ventilation strategy, and occupant needs. For individuals or small projects we have multiple partners who can help.

Not yet, but they are in development.

Sometimes, depending on safety, weather/season, and permissions. We encourage visitors to tour our active production sites. These tours often occur in the mornings or evenings or during production breaks. Additionally, we often advertise public demonstrations and events.

Common measures include: total installed cost, time-to-install, thermal performance, energy consumption, reliability/maintenance burden, occupant outcomes, and reproducibility at scale.

You will need the following:

• Location and environment (wind, design temps, coastal exposure, logistics constraints)
• What problem you’re solving and what “success” looks like
• Timeline and funding status
• Your role (community, builder, agency, industry, etc)
• Any existing drawings/specs/photos or prior studies

Then fill out our contact form, where you can provide all of the above.

Often, yes, when aligned with mission and capacity. Do you have a technology that we need to know about? Let us know. We are fully compliant with all federal procurement statutes for grants and competitive proposals.

Potentially, yes, depending on compliance requirements and scope. Tell us about your ideas. We can sign an NDA if needed.

Often yes, if administratively feasible and aligned with mission.

Xtreme Habitats Institute is a 501(c)(3); donations are generally tax-deductible within U.S. law.

Contact us to request a copy of the annual report, or our audited financials. Our board makeup can be found here.

Please use our contact form and select media request.

Possibly, depending on licensing and attribution requirements. If you have a question about using our images or graphics, please reach out to us.

Potentially—often aligned with funded projects and partners. Reach out to let us know you’re interested, and we can explore options, if available.

Yes. Please fill out this form and we will reach out. Thank you for wanting to help!

Possibly, depending on privacy, partner agreements, and publication status. Request data here.

This policy is currently in development. Stay tuned.

We can discuss cost drivers and research findings. Accurate estimating requires a defined scope, site constraints, logistics plan, and design assumptions.

Contact us to have a discussion.