One of the most pressing issues of our time is the lack of affordable housing. On the other hand, we are faced with the challenge of the climate crisis, not least building on one ecologically sustainable basis to deliver. 3D printing can be part of the solution in both cases.
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Germany’s first 3D printing house in Beckum
In the summer of 2021, Germany’s first provided 3D printed house for headlines, completed at the end of July in Beckum, Westphalia. The construction time, or rather the printing time, for that pilot project was only 8 months. “The advantage is the speed, we implemented the pilot project in 8 months, the next one is even in 5 months and we need fewer staff, which is important given the shortage of skilled workers that we have,” says the Beckum-based builder and architect Waldemar Korte therefore also proud of his pioneering work.
However, since this project is not just about speed, but at least as much about sustainability went, the planners also chose exclusively recyclable building materials. NRW Building Minister Ina Scharrenbach (CDU), who had traveled to Beckum for the official inauguration, also emphasized this aspect. “3D printing is a revolution for the construction industry,” said the minister: “We are faster, we need less material and we are more environmentally friendly. If you no longer need the house, you can simply vacuum it up and reprint it.”
At around 450,000 euros, the costs for this first German 3D printing house are still comparatively high. This is partly due to the upscale equipment, including the smart home system. In addition, it is generally assumed that the costs for houses from the 3D printer will decrease significantly in the next 5 years.
Example Eindhoven
Only a few months earlier, at the end of April 2021, was Europe’s first House from the 3D printer ready for occupancy in Eindhoven, the Netherlands. In contrast to the two-story Beckum 3D printing house, its Dutch model is a bungalow. Concrete 3D printers from Eindhoven University of Technology assembled the 24 building elements that make up the bungalow in a hall.
In the form of extra thick walls and a connection to the heating network, this house was also designed to be both comfortable and energy-efficient.
On April 30, 2021, the Dutch pensioner couple Elize Lutz and Harrie Dekkers received the keys to the 94 square meter house in Eindhoven. However, the two are not the final residents, but now have 6 months to try living in this 94 square meter house for a monthly rent of 800 euros.