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Purdue University engineers and Circle Up Indy unveil Rising Evolution

7/27/2025

Rising Evolution is more than a housing project—it is a movement toward societal transformation through collective action.

A historic 3D-printed concrete housing development is transforming Indianapolis through collective partnerships

Indianapolis, IN — Purdue University engineers and Circle Up Indy (CUI), proudly launch the Rising Evolution development, a groundbreaking initiative to construct sustainable, 3D-printed concrete homes in Indianapolis’s Martindale-Brightwood community. This visionary project unites Purdue, CUI, Sustainable Construction Solutions (SCS), and newly announced partner MET Construction, LLC, Rivetna Architects Inc, and HESS Advanced Solutions, LLC/Sustainable Water Management to create a holistic, historic model for sustainable housing. By harnessing cutting-edge 3D printing and eco-friendly technologies, Rising Evolution addresses Indianapolis’s housing challenges, fosters economic empowerment, and sets a national benchmark for a thriving, sustainable housing market.

Rising Evolution is more than a housing project—it is a movement toward societal transformation through collective action. This initiative is committed to forging partnerships with corporate, nonprofit, governmental, and community stakeholders to realize this ambitious vision. With a $4 million fundraising goal, the project invites sponsorships and strategic alliances to propel this development forward. “Rising Evolution is a historic step toward equitable, sustainable housing that redefines real estate innovation,” said James Wilson, CEO of Circle Up Indy. “Purdue research, combined with our partners’ expertise, ignites a collaborative model for progress that will resonate nationwide.”
Pablo Zavattieri, the Jerry M. and Lynda T. Engelhardt Professor in Civil Engineering, is the project’s principal investigator from Purdue. He will lead a team from the university’s Lyles School of Civil and Construction Engineering and the School of Materials Engineering, including Jan Olek, the James H. and Carol H. Cure Professor in Civil Engineering; Akanshu Sharma, the Jack and Kay Hockema Associate Professor in Civil Engineering; and Jeffrey Youngblood, Professor of Materials Engineering.

A Collaborative Ecosystem Driving Historic Change
Rising Evolution thrives on the unique contributions of its partners, each bringing specialized expertise to create a sustainable, scalable housing solution:

Circle Up Indy (CUI): With over a decade of community development expertise and seven years studying 3D printing, CUI leads community engagement, identifying eligible families and facilitating housing readiness through partnerships with the Martindale-Brightwood Community Development Corporation. CUI oversees 3D printing logistics and workforce training, aiming to certify 20–50 residents in 3D printing and construction trades by 2026, ensuring sustainable employment opportunities.
Purdue University: A global leader in innovation, Purdue makes advancements in 3D printing technology that are leading to sustainable construction methods. Its engineering researchers’ collaboration with CUI establishes Rising Evolution as a national model for additive construction.
Sustainable Construction Solutions (SCS): SCS provides the MaxiPrinter, capable of printing 15 square feet of wall per hour with minimal setup time, and trains CUI staff for operational autonomy. SCS enables scalability, supporting 3D printing services for commercial and disaster relief applications.
MET Construction, LLC: With over 40 years of experience, MET Construction, LLC handles site preparation, utility installation, and hybrid construction, ensuring high-quality, sustainable building practices and laying the groundwork for future housing projects.
Rivetna Architects Inc: Over the past 20 years, Rivetna Architects has designed and delivered a diverse portfolio of residential and commercial projects across the United States. Known for its collaborative approach and commitment to innovation, the firm consistently achieves successful outcomes. By leveraging emerging technologies, Rivetna delivers sustainable, cost-effective buildings without compromising quality or design integrity.
HESS Advanced Solutions, LLC/Sustainable Water Management: HESS introduces game-changing environmental sustainability through its SMART WATER VALVE™ and Hydro Plex technologies. The SMART WATER VALVE™ enhances water meter accuracy, reducing waste and achieving up to 41% cost savings, as demonstrated by a client’s water bill reduction from $7,681.63 to $3,718.93 monthly. Hydro Plex, a non-chemical water treatment system, minimizes water usage and eliminates harmful chemicals, ensuring eco-friendly homes that lower operational costs and promote a healthier environment.

“Rising Evolution is a testament to the power of collaboration in addressing society’s most pressing challenges,” said James Wilson, CEO Circle Up Indy. “By integrating advanced technology and sustainable practices, we are building not just homes, but a legacy of equity and innovation.”

Innovative Technology for a Sustainable Future
At the heart of Rising Evolution is the MaxiPrinter, which sets world records for the tallest and largest 3D-printed structures. It produces robust walls meeting stringent building standards, reducing material waste by 25% and accelerating construction timelines. HESS’s water management solutions further enhance sustainability, conserving resources and reducing costs. Together, these technologies create homes that are cost-effective, environmentally responsible, and built to last, redefining industry standards for real estate development.

Addressing Housing Challenges with a Holistic Vision
With thousands of Indianapolis families facing housing instability, Rising Evolution delivers sustainable solutions through CUI’s readiness initiatives, ensuring long-term affordability. Post-funding, Purdue and CUI plan to share additive construction and water management technologies with other Community Development Corporations, offering 3D printing and sustainability services for commercial and disaster relief projects. This holistic approach fosters a replicable framework for a growing, equitable housing market nationwide.

An Open Call for Partnership
The Purdue research team and CUI seek $4 million to unlock Rising Evolution’s full potential, emphasizing that partnerships are the cornerstone of this historic development. “This is a collective mission to build a sustainable future,” said James Wilson. “We welcome all partners—financial, technical, or community-driven—to join us in shaping a housing market that uplifts communities and sets a global standard for innovation.”
For sponsorship or partnership inquiries, contact James Wilson at [email protected] or Derek Schultz at [email protected].

About the Partners

Circle Up Indy: A nonprofit leader in housing and community development for over a decade. www.circleupindy.com
Purdue University: A global authority in engineering and sustainable development solutions.
Sustainable Construction Solutions, LLC: A provider of innovative 3D printing technologies for construction.
MET Construction, LLC: Ensuring high-quality, sustainable building practices and laying the groundwork for future housing projects.
Rivetna Architects Inc: The firm consistently achieves successful outcomes. By leveraging emerging technologies, Rivetna delivers sustainable, cost-effective buildings without compromising quality or design integrity.
HESS Advanced Solutions, LLC/Sustainable Water Management: A leader in water conservation technologies, delivering cost-saving, eco-friendly solutions for sustainable development.

Media Inquiries
For additional information or to arrange interviews, contact James Wilson at [email protected] or Derek Schultz at [email protected].

Through the expertise of Purdue engineers and the collective strength of its partners, Rising Evolution is poised to redefine sustainable housing, driving a historic transformation in Indianapolis and beyond.

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