The world’s first 3D printed house in the making

In an attempt to build the first 3D printed house in the world, architects have planned its site alongside a canal in Amsterdam. If successful, the structure would be the world-s first 3D printed building.

NewsScientist reported that DUS Architects, a local firm, has already begun work on the structure this year. Curious passers-by can also witness this construction, but at a fee of 2.5 euros, which will help fund the project.

DUS is using ‘The KamerMaker’ (Dutch for ‘room maker’), which is a 3D printer, to help build the structure. The printer is installed inside a six metre high unused shipping container and functions much like a desktop 3D printer. However, instead of ink, this printer extrudes hot plastic in successive layers, one over the other. The technology has already been in use for a while now, and smaller structure such as a bench was produced.

On the building front, each room is built separately as large blocks that inter-fit together just like Lego or a jigsaw puzzle. Rooms once finished, can be stacked one on top of the other and the completed building would look like a traditional Dutch canal house.

The project would take an estimated three years to be completed and will be open to public as a design museum. 12 rooms would be dedicated to 3D-printing building design research.

Photos / video courtesy: dusarchitects.com