Jul 3, 2017 | By David
The potential of 3D printing technology to create unique architecture as well as more affordable public housing solutions is becoming more and more apparent, and researchers, public planners and developers alike are all hoping to capitalize on it. The latest example is in Belgium, where a partnership between private businesses, social organizations, and universities is seeking to promote integration of 3D printing in the construction sector in Flanders. A key goal for the project is to have a fully 3D printed house built in 3 years’ time.
Europe certainly seems to be leading the way in terms of using 3D printing to change the way buildings are made and the ways architecture might be conceived of or perceived. We reported before on the pioneering work done at the Technical University of Dresden, which is making major advances in its research into 3D printed concrete with the CONPrint 3D system. There are also Danish and French projects that are dedicated to developing entirely new solutions and building methods with the technology, and significant investments have been made from various sectors to help them on their way. Hopefully any successes these projects have can be used to make progress in other countries where the investment is lacking but the need for new housing solutions is much greater. One Brazilian start-up’s idea to use 3D printing technology to tackle the issue of informal housing and slums is something that could positively affect millions of lives if it was able to get off the ground.
The small municipality of Westerlo, located in the Belgian province of Antwerp, is home to the Kamp C innovation center, which is a support center for sustainable building and living in the area. Kamp C is the place where this new collaborative 3D printing project will be carried out, making use of a generous 1.6 million euro investment from the province of Antwerp, the Flemish Government, and the European Union. There will be a broad range of collaborative partners, including Ghent University, Thomas More University College, building company Van Roey, construction firm Beneens, and architecture consultancy Trias Architecten. New 3D printing infrastructure will be installed at the center for the local building sector to experiment and build prototypes, and the printer will also become available to the general public and business community when the project comes to an end.
Geert Verachtert, director of strategy and business development at Van Roey, believes 3D printing will make construction more affordable. “3D printing can save costs when it comes to materials, energy consumption and waste,” he told Gazet van Antwerpen. The target of three years for the first fully 3D printed house was set by Peter-Paul van den Berg, director of Kamp C. Partner organizations will be experimenting with different processes and materials, hoping to share expertise and come up with some mutually beneficial solutions that will take full advantage of what 3D printing has to offer, in order to develop the housing sector into a more robust and efficient model for other nations and future generations.
Posted in 3D Printing Application
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Real estate industry will fight to keep prices high no matter how the buildings are built.
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