Wonders of science: Homes can be 3D-printed in the near future!  

If you've been following the latest trends in the housing industry, you might have heard about the incredible development of 3D printed houses. This futuristic technology may change the way we build homes and offer a more efficient and sustainable alternative to traditional construction methods. Let’s take a closer look at 3D printed houses, the process behind them, companies that are currently building them, and the advantages they have over concrete houses. 

How do you 3D-print a house? 
The process begins with a computer-generated model, which is fed into a 3D printer. The printer then deposits layers of material, such as concrete or plastic, to create the walls and floors of the house. As each layer is added, the printer moves up, until the entire house is complete. The process is incredibly fast and can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days, depending on the size and complexity of the design. 

Companies that have built 3D-printed houses  
Now, let's take a look at some of the companies that are currently building 3D printed houses. One of the most prominent companies in this field is New Story, a non-profit organization based in California, USA. It aims to provide safe and affordable housing to people in need around the world. New Story has partnered with ICON, a construction technology company from Texas, to build 3D printed houses in countries like Mexico and El Salvador. In 2019, New Story unveiled its plan to build 2,700 3D printed houses in Latin America, the largest 3D printed community in the world. 

Another recent example of 3D printed houses is from India. A family moved into a 3D printed house in September 2021. The house was built in just five days using a 3D printer and was shipped from Russia. Incredible, isn’t it? The house is made of a special concrete mixture that is said to be stronger and more durable than traditional concrete. It is designed to withstand earthquakes, and the process of building it produced significantly less waste than traditional construction methods. 

Advantages of 3D-Printed houses 
3D-printed houses are made from concrete, which is sturdy and durable and can withstand extreme weather conditions and provide excellent insulation. The other advantage is that 3D printing is a precise process. So, there is less room for error during construction, leading to stronger and more stable structures. Another major advantage is affordability. As 3D printing can be done quickly and with minimal waste, the cost of construction can be significantly lower than traditional methods. 

Also, 3D printed houses can be built much faster than traditional houses as the entire structure can be printed in a matter of days. Additionally, the process of 3D printing produces less waste, which is beneficial for the environment. Moreover, 3D printed houses offer a lot of design flexibility. Because the printer can create complex shapes and designs with ease, architects and builders can create homes that are more innovative and interesting than traditional homes. This could lead to a new era of creative and sustainable architecture. 

3D printed houses are an exciting development in the housing industry. With their speed, affordability, and design flexibility, they offer a promising alternative to traditional construction methods.