We’ve written many times on the idea of building homes with large-format 3D printers, but now it’s really happening.
Several experiments using extruded concrete are underway, but Dus Architects of Amsterdam are now using a new process for building large structures. Let’s correct that; it’s actually an OLD process, but being used in a new way.
They’re using the Kamermaker, a large plastic 3D printer of which we have written previously. The device is essentially a super-sized Ultimaker. As you can see in this detail image, they’re 3D printing thin-walled structures, which presumably will be filled with a solidifying fluid for strength.
They say:
Each room is printed separately on site before being assembled into one house. This way the rooms can be carefully tested in a safe and easy accessible manner. Each room is different and consists of complex and tailormade architecture and unique design features. The structure is scripted and this creates its proper strength but also generates ornament, and allows for new types of smart features, such as angled shading scripted to the exact solar angle. Each printed room consists of several parts, which are joined together as large Lego-like blocks. Both the outside façade as the interior are printed at once, in one element. Within the 3D printed walls are spares for connecting construction, cables, pipes, communication technique, wiring etc.
The process is to design the rooms and then print them at small scale, which is easy to do. Once the room parts are validated, they can proceed to printing them at full scale.
They predict a future where you’ll be able to download room designs for your personal customization. Taking the designs to a Kamermaker-equipped contractor could result in your dream home being 3D printed. Of course, without some knowledge of design, people could inadvertently create infeasible structures.
You can actually visit the build site, but it will cost you €2.50 (USD$3.50) for the privilege.
Someday no one would consider paying to visit a 3D printed building site. But that day is not today.
Via Dus Architects