The impossible has become the possible thanks to the evolution of 3D printed architecture. Imagine constructing a building, layer by layer with intricate designs and precise detailing that effortlessly brings it to life!
Dubai was the first to implement the worlds first 3D printed commercial building. Taking just 17 days to print and 3 months to build, it required fifty percent less workforce to complete compared to traditional methods of construction.
Due to the immense success of the build, the government has announced that 25% of its buildings will be 3D designed by 2025.
Welcome to the era of 3D printing where the best in technology is transforming the landscape of construction.
Redefined efficiency
Environmental impacts associated with construction have been a longstanding concern, but the evolution of 3D printing provides a more sustainable solution, using materials only when needed. Simple plastics are all but gone, with 3D printing opting for industrial materials such as concrete, polymers, metals, and even sustainable materials such as bamboo.
Complex structures are easily created with minimal material waste and shorter construction times, an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to traditional construction methods.
Projects can be completed in record time while errors are avoided with the precise layering of digital designs.
All-in-all, it makes for an economically viable solution for the construction industry.
Architectural freedom
Of course, one of the most exciting aspects of 3D printing is the unprecedented architectural freedom it provides. Traditional, manual construction methods often come with constraints which can be highly frustrating.
3D printing liberates architects and builders from these restrictions, allowing them to create innovative, organic shapes and intricate designs that were once considered impractical or impossible. This allows the freedom to create iconic structures that stand out in the urban landscape.
3D printing in the UK
It might seem quite the novelty at the moment, but according to a report by MarketsandMarkets, the global 3D printing construction market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 245.9% from 2021 to 2028. And while the UK currently has no manufacturers of large format 3D printers, it isn’t preventing us from getting involved.
In Accrington, Lancashire, a groundbreaking development is underway to establish Europe's largest 3D-printed housing project.
Non-profit organisation, Building for Humanity, has partnered with 3D printer supplier Harcourt Technologies to produce forty-six homes on a prime town-centre site. Comprising a mix of three-story apartments and houses, the initiative is set to redefine the landscape of British construction.
Aside from the remarkable scale of the project, the implementation of a COBOD International printer at Accrington and Rossendale College has also provided opportunities for veterans, homeless individuals, and low-income families to train in the art of 3D printing.
This multifaceted endeavour marks a significant leap forward in both housing innovation and community development.
In the meantime, The Evo One, ‘large format addictive manufacturing’ project (LFAM), is developing a 3D printer that could make UK manufacturers more competitive than their international counterparts.
Watch this space!
Maxwood Washrooms
When you’re an innovative leader within the commercial washroom space, it’s essential that you’re up to date with cutting edge technologies that shape the future of commercial design.
We’re always looking at innovative ways of evolving the washrooms that we design and
create, and with cutting-edge technology and sustainability at the forefront of our agenda, there’s no doubt that we’ll be keeping a close eye on the evolution of 3D printing design.