construction

3D Printing earthquake-resistant house built in just 26 hours.

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In the heart of Guatemala, where the ground occasionally trembles with seismic forces, a remarkable feat of engineering has been accomplished. Cement company Progreso has unveiled the nation’s very first 3D-printed building, designed with a steadfast resolve to withstand the local seismic challenges. This remarkable prototype not only showcases modern 3D printing techniques but also pays homage to traditional craftsmanship in the form of a charming thatched roof.

COBOD’s BOD2 3D printer, renowned for its work on India’s post office and Europe’s first two-story 3D-printed house, played a pivotal role. The construction process was akin to its predecessors, with the 3D printer meticulously extruding layers of a cement-like mixture. According to a pre-planned blueprint. Remarkably, this entire printing process took just 26 hours, though it was spread over a span of seven days. Following the completion of the concrete shell, skilled human builders added windows, wiring, plumbing, and other essential elements. They even gave the house its traditional palm-thatched roof, known as the ‘Rancho’ type, a lightweight and flexible material ideally suited for seismic regions.

The project’s press release lauded the success of validating the structural viability of 3D construction printing in a region prone to seismic activity. The most remarkable aspect lies in the highly organic-shaped walls achieved through 3D printing. These intricate designs would have been prohibitively expensive or even unfeasible with conventional concrete block construction, the predominant building method in the region.The 3D-printed house offers a minimalist, utilitarian interior, emphasizing its prototype status. Spread over one floor, it spans 49 square meters (527 square feet). The interior features a central living area, complete with a table and chairs, alongside a compact kitchen area equipped with cabinetry and a sink. An adjoining room seems configured for office use but could easily serve as a bedroom. The house also houses a bathroom, ensuring it remains a fully functional dwelling.

While this remarkable project currently stands as a research tool, there’s no immediate plan to scale it up. Yet, it serves as a testament to human ingenuity, merging cutting-edge 3D printing with a deep respect for local tradition. The earthquake-resistant 3D-printed house is a symbol of innovation and resilience, offering a glimpse into the future of sustainable and secure housing. Discover more about this architectural marvel that’s rewriting the rules of construction in seismic regions.

By Adam Williams. October 19, 2023. Earthquake-resistant house 3D printed in just 26 hours.

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The future of homebuilding 3D-Printed houses on 60 minutes.

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In a world where technology is advancing at an unprecedented pace, it’s no surprise that even the way we build our homes is undergoing a revolutionary transformation. Recently, 60 Minutes, the iconic television news magazine, gave us a sneak peek into what could potentially redefine the way we think about construction – 3D-printed houses. This groundbreaking development, spearheaded by a Texas-based company, promises to be a true paradigm shift in the world of homebuilding.
For those unfamiliar with 60 Minutes, it is the most successful television broadcast in history, known for its hard-hitting investigative reports, interviews, and profiles of individuals shaping the world. Since its inception in 1968, this legendary show has continued to captivate audiences for over 50 seasons, consistently ranking in Nielsen’s Top 10. So, when 60 Minutes features a story, you know it’s something worth paying attention to.
In a recent episode, correspondent Ms. Lesley Stahl took us on an eye-opening journey into the world of 3D-printed houses. This innovative construction approach is being pioneered by a company based in Texas. They’re not just printing one or two houses; they’re aiming to print a hundred of them. This audacious project has been described as a “paradigm shift” in the way we build our homes, and for good reason.
So, how exactly does 3D printing a housework? It’s a bit like using a gigantic 3D printer, only instead of small plastic trinkets, it’s creating full-sized homes. The process involves the layer-by-layer deposition of building materials, which can include concrete, plastics, and even recycled materials. The result? An efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly way to construct homes.

The advantages of 3D-printed houses are substantial; Speed; Cost-Efficiency; Customization; Sustainability and Quality Control.
As we watched Lesley Stahl’s report on 60 Minutes, it became evident that we are on the brink of a housing revolution. The Texas-based company’s ambitious project to print 100 3D homes is just the beginning. If successful, this could pave the way for widespread adoption of 3D printing technology in the construction industry.

Lesley Stahl reports Sunday. 3D Printing | Sunday on 60 Minutes. 60 Minutes. 

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