How far have 3D printed houses come?
- Michelle Jin
- May 30, 2024
- 5 min read
3D printed houses provide efficiency and design flexibility through low cost and quick construction. As 3D printed house design and construction first began in the Netherlands in the 2010s, expectations were high for its rapid introduction in Korea as well.
And with technological development, we can now see examples of 3D printed house construction using eco-friendly materials such as corn, clay, and bamboo through many media. It appears to be the optimal future construction method that is environmentally friendly, has the lowest cost, fastest time, and is most sustainable.
One might think that the most effective solution to Korea's serious housing shortage and low birth rate problem would be the rapid introduction of 3D printing construction methods, but the reality is that 3D printing houses are not being implemented in Korea due to various factors.
We looked into overseas situations, various cases, and domestic problems.
index
The Chronicles of 3D Printed Homes, Which Country Started First?
Key advantages of 3D printed houses
Eco-friendly materials and materials can be used
Construction period and cost for a 3 bedroom house
Why Korea does not allow 3D houses
The Chronicles of 3D Printed Homes, Which Country Started First?
The history of 3D printed houses dates back to the early 2010s, and several countries have been pioneers in developing and implementing this technology. Key milestones and countries associated with the early development of 3D printed homes include:
Netherlands : The Dutch city of Eindhoven was one of the early adopters of 3D printing technology in the construction sector. In 2012, Dutch architecture firm DUS Architects unveiled the "KamerMaker" (RoomBuilder), a large-scale 3D printer designed to print building components. This large-scale 3D printer was designed and manufactured by DUS Architects in the Netherlands, and was used in a space measuring 2x2x3.5m to carry out several different projects using bioplastic materials, a sustainable raw material . The bioplastic used in KamerMaker's 3D printing is a material extracted from renewable resources such as vegetable oil, and efforts have been made over the past 10 years to create structures using sustainable, eco-friendly materials rather than concrete.
2China : China has been actively exploring 3D printing technology for construction. WinSun Global is a leader in 3D printing architectural projects in China. In early 2014, we reported that an entire house and an entire apartment building were 3D printed.
United States : There have also been early experiments with 3D printed homes in the United States. In 2014, a company called Contour Crafting, founded by Dr. Behrokh Khoshnevis, demonstrated a large-scale 3D printer that could build an entire house. The goal is to address housing shortages and disaster relief efforts through this technology.
Russia : Russia began researching 3D printed houses in the mid-2010s. Russian company Apis Cor claimed in 2017 that it had 3D printed a house in just 24 hours.
United Arab Emirates : Dubai is a vibrant hub for construction innovation. In 2016, Dubai announced plans to 3D print 25% of its buildings by 2030, with several projects already underway to achieve this goal.
These countries, in particular, have played a key role in pioneering 3D printed home construction. Since then, 3D printing technology has continued to develop and expand globally as more countries and companies explore its potential to solve housing challenges, reduce construction waste, and create sustainable, affordable housing solutions.
solve the housing problem
Minimize construction waste
Use of sustainable, eco-friendly raw materials
Quick construction, low cost housing solutions
Key advantages of 3D printed houses
In the case of the Netherlands, we explore the main advantages of 3D houses, which are also the optimal solution to high human rights costs and severe shortage of bricklayers.
Construction speed : 3D printing can significantly shorten construction time. Large-scale 3D printers allow homes to be completed in days or weeks, compared to months or years using traditional construction methods. This speed is especially important for addressing housing shortages or disaster relief efforts. A three-bedroom house was recently built in Australia in 48 hours.
Cost-effectiveness : The automation and precision of 3D printing can lead to cost savings in materials, labor, and overall construction costs. This has the potential to make housing more affordable, especially in areas where construction costs are high.
Reduced waste : 3D printing creates less construction waste compared to traditional methods. This allows for more efficient use of materials, reducing environmental impact and disposal costs.
Customization : 3D printing allows for greater design flexibility. Architects and homeowners can tackle innovative and complex designs that would be difficult or expensive to achieve with traditional construction.
Energy Efficiency : Some 3D printed home designs include energy-efficient features and sustainable materials, helping to reduce energy consumption and reduce environmental impact.
Sustainability : Using eco-friendly materials in 3D printing, such as corn, bamboo, clay, recycled plastic, and bio-based materials, can increase the sustainability of construction.
Eco-friendly materials and materials can be used_ 3D printed building using corn built in New York (see photo)
3D printing for home construction can use eco-friendly materials instead of traditional concrete. One of the advantages of 3D printing technology is the versatility of materials used. Concrete has been a common choice, but there are more environmentally friendly alternatives, such as:
Biodegradable Plastics : Some 3D printers can use biodegradable plastics derived from renewable resources.
Recycled materials : Recycled plastics and other sustainable materials can be used in the 3D printing process.
Natural materials : Some 3D printers can work with materials like clay or mud, which are more environmentally friendly than concrete.
Hempcrete : A mixture of hemp fibers, lime, and water can also be used in 3D printing and is considered environmentally friendly.
Bamboo : In some regions, research is being conducted on using bamboo as a 3D printing material for sustainability.
Sustainable Concrete Alternatives : Researchers are also developing sustainable alternatives to traditional concrete, such as hemp-based concrete.
Material selection often depends on the specific 3D printing technology, local availability of materials, and the environmental goals of the project. The availability and acceptance of these eco-friendly materials may vary by region, so it is important to research which options are suitable for your area.
Construction period and cost for a 3 bedroom house
It is difficult to give an exact cost or price for 3D printed buildings in 2022, as it will vary depending on the region and the size and complexity of the structure. The simple answer is that construction is currently possible at a low price of approximately $4,000, but there may be differences depending on the region and company.
In terms of construction period, it takes about 3 weeks on average to complete a wall, and it is estimated that construction time is about 30% shorter than that of a traditional house, and there are cases in Australia and China where construction was completed in 48 hours.
Why South Korea Doesn't Allow 3D Printed Houses
Building buildings using 3D printing technology often requires specialized equipment and infrastructure, and it can take time to develop and integrate the necessary infrastructure into the construction industry.
Kustom StroyBot 6.2 from the US-based architectural 3D printer specialist is a gantry system 3D printer with a maximum build size of 10 x 20 x 6 meters (LxWxH). Prices for the troyBot 6.2 start at $300,000, depending on the model and build envelope required Considering that it costs up to $950,000, developing or introducing equipment still does not seem to be a big problem.
As a result, the most important barriers to introduction are regulations and safety issues. Korea is in a state of turmoil as the whole country is suffering from population decline, housing shortages, and labor shortages due to the lowest birth rate in the world. Even with all the apartment steel bars removed, apartments are dozens of stories high. The fact that countries where construction is possible still do not introduce 3D printing construction, which is being implemented in other countries due to safety issues, seems to be raising several questions. I think this requires a lot of public attention and active petitions.
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