3D printed houses

Interesting development

**LINK**

Not sure I like the idea - seems too much like rows & rows of identikit housing for the plebs, although I can see the attraction for undeveloped places.

Hmmm.

Peter G. Shaw

Possibly OK for warmer climes, but from what I've seen of the process, there's no scope for damp-proofing or insulation, at least at this stage. And not much in the way of reinforcement, either.

Rob

We would need proper insulation to be able to use such a house during winter, but as Rob says possibly OK for warmer climate like Madagascar. I didn't detect the use of rebar in the concrete layers or are my old eyes failing me?

Thor

Simple change to the mix and you could be printed with an aerated concrete so walls would give similar U values as celcon type block.

Easy enough to alter the CAD and CAM to print two skins rather than one so additional insulation can be added to the cavity.

Fibre reinforcement in the mix would probably allow you to build without rebar

Would think someone could run round after a few layers have been printed and roll out a DPC then the next layer just gets printed on that. Waterproofing additives or an external skin would take care of weathering.

Fibre reinforcement in the mix would probably allow you to build without rebar

Quite likely stainless steel needles could be included in the mix as reinforcement - both fibres and steel needles are options in readymix concrete.

No reason why twin skins with a third middle core of insulation could not be devised in a further development of the machine.

However, I feel the modular, or prefab, route is more likely to gain ground in the UK. Plenty of development in this sector already.

I would think a steel/concrete prefab would be cheaper and a lot simpler

But it's an interesting approach

Don't assume the example here is the only one. There must be ten thousand videos on youtubr etc of other builds. Certainly some take advantage of the technology to print thin skins with an extra wide cavity to take maybe 8 inches of insulation. The big problem is you can't get good design though building regs in most western countries.
Currently it is 'trendy' to show the layers to show it is printed but soon they will add a skimmer to smooth off the outer face for rain shedding.

The biggest problem is obsession with printing which leads to it being used when other methods are more appropriate. With few exceptions in a 3rd world area it is better to use local labour, local materials, and no fancy tech.

Here in Corby we have a new factory being built. House Fabrication. Link is to local paper report.

regards