The Building Train
Case Study: The 450sf TBT Demo Home.
From digital design to physical reality. A detailed look at our first completed project, built with our Alpha prototype Building Machine, BM V4.
We broke ground on our alpha site with a clear objective: to prove that our on-site manufacturing process could translate from a digital model into a physical, high-quality structure. The 450 sq. ft. demonstration home would be the ultimate test of our core technology, the Building Machine V4.
The first pour was a major milestone, validating our thesis that we could create a monolithic, steel-reinforced concrete section with precision and speed. The entire 90-minute pour required minimal labor, a stark contrast to the teams of framers and foundation workers it would traditionally replace.
The most powerful takeaway from the Alpha build was the rapid optimization of our workflow. While the first section required 70 days of intensive setup and learning, the team was able to cut labor time in half with every subsequent pour. By the final section, we were casting in just 5.5 days, a 93% reduction in labor hours that validates the scalability of the TBT platform.
As the final section slid into place, we had more than just a building; we had a wealth of data. The project confirmed our ability to drastically reduce labor hours and provided the blueprint for the next generation of our platform, a system ready to tackle the housing crisis at scale.
Location: Cochise County, AZ 85606
Size
450 sq ft
Sections Cast
5
Average Pour Time
90 minutes
Efficiency Gain
Reduced labor from 70 days for the first section to just 5.5 days by the final pour, achieving a 50% reduction per iteration.
See It In Action
Structure
450 sq ft Home Shell
Method
5 Sequential Castings
Machine Used
Building Machine V4 (Alpha)
Labor Savings
Est. ~1,000 fewer hours vs. traditional build
Cost Reduction
On track for 57% shell cost savings at scale
Pour Time
< 90 minutes per section
Resilience
Fire, Water & Pest Resistant
Final Performance
Fastest final section setup: 5.5 days
From a Demo Home to Entire Neighborhoods.
Our first project proved the core technology and our ability to execute. The next phase is about applying this proven process to achieve scale and greater design versatility. The TBT platform is designed to build the homes and communities of the future.
Ready to start making more?
Let’s talk pilot projects, cost breakdowns, and how we can put a Building Machine to work on your next development.
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