If you are looking for answers to questions such as are 3D-printed houses structurally sound, you have come to the right place. We’ve found several different types of buildings that have been 3D printed, as well as an outline of an investigation that has been carried out to see if there are any structural issues with these kinds of buildings.

Mighty Buildings

Mighty Buildings is an Oakland-based company that uses 3D printing technology to create affordable homes for Californians. They’ve worked with several regulatory agencies to ensure that their structures meet the highest standards. The company works with developers to bring projects to locations across the country.

They’ve created a proprietary material called Light Stone Material, which they use to build structures. It’s a non-silicate cement that cures quickly when exposed to ultraviolet light. This makes it easier for builders to make solid, energy-efficient houses.

They also have a unique Production-as-a-Service platform that allows partners to lower labor costs. During construction, they can automate up to 80% of the work.

COBO

COBOD, which stands for Construction OBservatory, is developing concrete 3D printers. This machine can build a three-story, 3,000-square-foot structure in as little as five weeks, a feat that’s hard to match with traditional construction methods. The company also makes smaller models with printing areas ranging from about 50 square feet to nearly a thousand square feet.

It’s no surprise that COBOD has several high-profile partners. Some of its illustrious customers include construction giant G.E., the U.S. Department of Defense, the U.S. Air Force, and the CIA. These companies have already demonstrated the capabilities of their latest product, COBOD i.

BatiPrint

A 3D-printed house is similar to a traditional concrete home but without the hefty price tag. While the concept is not new, little progress has been made in defining suitable materials and implementing codes to ensure they are manufactured and built correctly. This project seeks to do just that.

The best part is that you don’t have to leave Alaska to experience the benefits. Although a tiny sliver of the population lives in cities, many live in rural areas that lack the amenities and services of their urban counterparts. Thus, the health and wellness of residents are a high priority. With the introduction of new technologies, including 3D printing, building a house can be a much more affordable and efficient affair.

ICON

ICON is a construction company, but their 3D-printed houses are not the same as conventional concrete structures. These homes use a proprietary material and are designed to be structurally sound. The materials are not only durable, but they are also safer than those used in traditional construction.

The company’s 3D printing technology is designed to make homebuilding quicker and cheaper. It produces energy-efficient, insulated, and resilient homes. Plus, it uses less waste. This new technology is changing the building industry.

In 2016, ICON partnered with Lennar, one of the largest homebuilders in the U.S. They worked together to build a community of 100 3D-printed houses. However, Lennar struggled to keep up with demand. But the partnership has helped deepen their relationship. And now, they are building the world’s largest community of 3D-printed homes.

Outline of Investigation for 3D Printed Building Construction

The building industry has begun to consider using 3D printing for construction. Its potential benefits are impressive. For instance, it can reduce labor costs.

Another benefit is flexibility. By using a modular system, you can reuse components many times. You also have more control over the structure’s design. This allows you to create buildings with complex geometries and to integrate different services.

Architects will need to become familiar with the limitations of 3D-printed parts. Also, insurance coverage may have to be tailored to the structure.

U.L., a global safety certification organization, is developing an outline of investigation for 3D printed building construction. Among other things, it will set benchmarks for 3D-printed structures.

Three-D Print Canal House in Amsterdam

A team of architects is building a house with a 3D printer in Amsterdam. The new home will be bio-plastic, healthier, and safer than petroleum-based plastic.

The house is a hybrid of local history and modern production techniques. It will marry the traditional gabled Dutch canal house with form-optimized materials and advanced manufacturing techniques.

The house is a three-part project and will be built in stages over the next three years. The first stage will be completed in the northern part of the city.

The main facade of the building is made of geometric shapes and linseed-based biodiesel. It is also 100% recyclable.