A huge breakthrough in the building construction industry began in 2014. Buildings started to be made of concrete using a 3D printer. Everyone probably has heard of 3D printing by now. A 3D printer is – it is a numerically controlled machine that uses a layered method of creating new objects. From prosthetic limbs and furniture to aircraft and car parts, 3D printers are creating an increasing number of different products. But out of the vast benefits this technology offers, 3D-printed homes are perhaps one of the most significant, as they have the potential to solve many problems the architecture and construction industry faces today.

High housing prices in Vancouver make buying a home an impractical dream for most residents. Therefore, fortunately for many who want to buy a house, an affordable alternative will appear on the market – houses built using 3D printers.
The new construction solution is based on 3D laser printing of custom-made modular and steel beams and panels. The technology allows you to quickly create completely new tasks for printing. These steel parts are created taking into account the design of the building being built, and then sent to the construction site and assembled in a short time.

The construction company LifeTec Construction Group uses a 3D printer to print metal structures, which speeds up the process of building construction. The company is located in Vancouver.

Traditionally, large wooden trusses are used in the construction of small residential buildings. Their production noticeably slows down the construction process.

The new technology involves replacing wooden trusses with metal ones. There is an important feature – they are printed on a special 3D printer using Framecad technology. It was developed in New Zealand and has since been tested worldwide. Builders say construction is faster and much more efficient when trusses can be simply printed.
In addition to speed, builders note the increased durability of the printed structures. Printing also allows you to use less expensive labor during construction, which is especially relevant in Vancouver.

It is impossible to distinguish a 3D-printed house from a traditional house. A 3D printer lays the foundation of the house, pouring cement in layers. Then, roofing, electricity and running water are added. For a small fee, customers can choose the settings for their future homes and thus design their own homes the way they want. A four-bedroom house will cost just $ 20,000. The foundation of the 2500 sq.m. house can be built in 24 hours.

Benefits of 3D House Printing

  • Light metal parts are used, which are stronger and more durable than ordinary building wood.
  • Easy and quick to assemble.
  • Low labor intensity will help fill the lack of a construction workforce.

Of course, 3D printing will be increasingly used in construction. So, the main US military department has already expressed interest in new technologies and has allocated a substantial amount for research. Similar projects involving public and private investors exist in other countries. This is not surprising – humanity is growing rapidly, and everyone needs housing, and three-dimensional printing is a quick and cheap construction option. Therefore, after 5-10 years, the expression “print a house” is unlikely to surprise anyone.

Author: Master’s in Architectural Science Anastasia Rudenko