This trend has gained popularity mainly due to its advantages over conventional methods. Namely, the cost of 3D-printed houses is lower than a traditional one, and it also takes way less time. It is also known to produce less waste than traditional homes, making it a strong contender for sustainable methods. Not only that, the result is a home that tantalises the eye.
This article enumerates some of the most beautiful, innovative, and exceptional 3D-printed homes that have taken the world by storm.
How are 3D-printed Houses Made?
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A construction 3D printer uses a machine to develop houses by placing the building materials together. This process is called “Construction 4.0”. Then, a paste material is ejected from a tube which includes material like earth or concrete stacked in layers. This revolutionary technology helps preserve time, material, and effort compared to traditional construction methods. 3D printing is mainly restricted to producing frames and walls. Despite the drawback, 3D house construction is gaining traction owing to its time-saving method.
Also Read: What is Floor Area Ratio and How we use in Construction
The First Ever 3D-printed House in Germany
Germany is the face of advanced engineering. Hence it only makes sense to begin with its noteworthy feat. Not to forget, this 3D house construction has already won numerous significant awards, including a 2021 German Innovation Award. On top of that, it is also the first 3D-printed home fully certified as per the building regulations of the national government.
Mense-Korte, an architectural firm, has truly built a modern marvel in Beckum, West Germany. The project was inaugurated in September 2020. Constructing this two-storey house with 1,722 square feet took around eight months. This living space is embellished with smart technology and modern interiors.
Sit tight because we are about to take you on this 3D house construction project journey through intriguing pictures.
The Foundation of 3D-printed House in Germany
The Process of 3D Printing
First Inhabited 3D-printed House in Europe
A Dutch couple became the residents of the first ever fully 3D-printed home in Europe. This new home in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, has set the standard for future home styles. This house built with a 3D printer became the first legal, commercial rented property ready to be inhabited. A few other 3D-printed homes were inaugurated in countries such as the USA and France. However, these projects were in the nascent stage, still exploring the intricacies of this path-breaking technology.
The home is inspired by the shape of a boulder, with size and dimensions quite expensive to construct in the traditional homemaking style. The house consists of 24 concrete elements printed gradually, layer by layer. The designers claim that if they had printed the entire house in one go, it would have been completed within five days.
| What’s More? Following the demand of the increasing population and the housing crisis in the US, the California desert is about to establish an entire neighbourhood made of 3D-printed houses. To be named Rancho Mirage, these homes will boast mid-century modern architecture and amenities. However, Rancho Mirage is not the only place to receive the magic of 3D-printed houses. Earlier in 2019, a non-profit organisation in Mexico also declared the development of 3D-printed houses for low-income families. 3D-printed homes were also installed in Austin, Texas. |
First 3D-printed House in India
India’s first house built with a 3D printer in Chennai saw its conclusion in 2024. This futuristic home is developed by Tvasta Manufacturing Solutions with a concentrated focus on offering low-cost housing solutions and substantial construction. Tvasta Manufacturing Solutions is a start-up founded by an alumnus of IIT Madras. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated this modern home through video conferencing.
This house dodges the layout of conventional construction and its intricacies. It focuses on zero-waste construction, optimised production, and reduced build time. The structure is a stylish single-storey home, a 600 sq ft unit created in collaboration with Habitat for Humanity’s Terwilliger Center for Innovation in Shelter. The entire 3D house construction was completed in just five days. According to Tvasta, a house built with 3D printer costs approximately around ₹5 lakhs to ₹5.5 lakhs.
Recognising the value that this technology has to offer, Industrialist Anand Mahindra has proposed to invest in this start-up.
Also Check: What is Built up Area in Construction
First Raw Earth 3D-printed House
Mario Cucinella Architects in collaboration with field WASP specialists, have established the world’s first 3D-printed house made in entirety with raw earth. Tecla, the 3D-printed building draws attention to the point where technology meets natural materials. It was unveiled near Ravenna city, Italy, in October 2022.
Tecla elicits a connection between the past and the future, a true amalgamation of timeless ancient dwellings and materiality. It has been developed with high-tech production of the 21st century. This home’s 60 sq metre area was completed in a mere 200 hours – the structure was designed to be completely self-supported. The house has been created keeping in mind a minimalist approach in one go.
Tecla is a brilliant example of a zero-waste product. It supports a low-carbon approach while making a technological advance project look aesthetically pleasing. It has a coherent look with a similar visual style for both the interior and exterior. This 3D-printed home is a potential solution for both the housing crisis and climate change.
Designer, Distinctive, and Daring!
With life-threatening troubles in the face of humanity, environmental sustainability is the only way forward. 3D-printed houses combine advanced technology with traditional materials to create an outcome that could resolve more problems than one. With a global housing crisis topped with an immediate need to cater to climate change, it is imperative to develop systems that heal mother nature, and 3D-printed homes do just that. For more creative ide