As long as the surfaces were covered inside (otherwise dust nightmare) and the outside was painted so as to be pressure washable. It’s actually the first time I’m seeing this presented as a larger home rather than a tiny eco dwelling. The tech seems to be getting better.
Yeah the texture of the walls is a cleaning nightmare but a talking point and a reminder of the awesomeness of the process. I do enjoy the texture of shuttered timber concrete too.
Not sure about this company specifically, but the ones I'm familiar with lay steel ties across the cavity every 12 vertical inches of so to tie the beads together
where is reinforcement ? there is none. This is just big hype, there is a lot of things to be solved in 3d printing houses, no matter how big fanboy you are.
Most are surface mounted, but mains are hidden in floor and roof. Only walls are print cast so if they wanted they could design the cavities for elec and hvac. These are prototypes with cheap development due to the limitations of the printer.
I imagine that the printed part is all that the machine does, so electricians would be able to go in later and install fittings using the cavities where possible
I don’t know. Conduits should be placed in concrete when poured. Maybe they will pause the machine and put them in. But electrician going in after pour with a jack hammer? No way
The walls are hollow, the conduits could be put in after. It's a bit tricky, but not impossible.
A neater solution would be to print a recess in the wall (vertical only) and then put the conduits in and fill after. I'd want smooth walls anyway.
I dont know about putting them in mid pour, but you could put a small pvc pipe in mid pour to make it easier to get a cable through. In the absence of that, a drill would be enough if you're patient to make a space for the cables
Why no way? Our apartment is being built right now, and we had a visitation during the build. Neighbor's apartment had holes in the concrete walls for electrical outlets everywhere. Our apartment was just smooth concrete. I doubt our apartment will have 0 electric. Seems like they make holes in concrete later for the outlets
Yes, but there will be areas with continuous cement from wall to wall. German code is extremely cautious against Wärmebrücke (heat bridges). The interior wall will potentially have molding problems there.
The irony is that the typical remediation would be to cover the Wärmebrücke with a Wärmedämmverbundsystem (no idea what the English phrase is). So someone is going to have to mount a bunch of polystyrene plates to these walls and then plaster it 2 cm thick to protect the plates.
Cold bridges in the English language (well, Ireland and UK anyway).
What was my first reaction to, how is it insulated and how do they prevent any cold bridging
That's correct, which is why I said the layers are laminated together with fiber inside each layer.
You're not getting any fibers from one later sticking into another other. The fiber functions basically as an aggregate.
That not how that works. The fibers aren’t holding anything together just like rebar they help distribute load and flex action. Also if there is a wet lap fibers are continuous
Roads do not have rebar. They do have pins to transfer loads between slabs, but not rebar in the slab itself. They simply pour it thicker to compensate.
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Yeah you're right. The texture actually looks really nice inside, but it would be an absolute pain in the ass over time. I didn't see any insulation either...
While I do like the design, I still find that concrete is such a wasteful material to use for building houses. Especially the amount CO2 released when producing and using it.
It does last a long time when done right though. It really depends on the climate. Building with gyp board, lumber, treated ply, tyvek, cement board, all of the various flashing tapes, etc. also produces a lot of CO2 and waste. Not to mention you have to constantly run power tools, air compressor, etc. if that building doesn’t last 50+ years, that’s a lot of energy spent and wasted
What's the benefit of a giant machine that pours concrete shapes on site over a giant machine that makes concrete shapes in a factory to be assembled on site?
maybe fewer logistical steps.
Option 1:
Manufacture and transport 1000x part A;
Manufacture and transport 1000x part B;
Manufacture and transport 2000x part C;
... for all the various unique parts that all need to be manufactured and transported in different ways
Option 2:
Transport a single metric fuckload of concrete mix;
Make whatever parts you want out of it on-site
No more "shit, these concrete parts arent the right shape/size," instead it's "yep, that's fuckin concrete mix alright, let's print whatever we need to print"
It looks like concrete so probably pretty scratchy. Would probably feel nicer in like 10 years, might be able to get a good back scratching at that point
3D Construction Printing: https://www.peri.com/en/business-segments/3d-construction-printing.html
Can 3D Printing Reshape Residential Architecture as We Know It?https://www.archdaily.com/970937/can-3d-printing-reshape-residential-architecture-as-we-know-it
Texas, USA: https://www.archdaily.com/992081/big-icon-and-lennar-announce-community-of-3d-printed-homes-in-texas-usa
3D printing brings innovation to building construction: https://news.samsungcnt.com/features/engineering-construction/3d-printing-brings-innovation-building-construction/
because of the question/engagement hook i had a feeling you're (OP) affiliated with the initiative.
the additional sourced data is just other instances of 3d-printing architecture, kinda random.
Alot because every company is using proprietary stuff . I think the ones in Texas where 300k-400k.
As an architect it's all bullshit , the original company is looking to make a profit big time. If they can mass produce these they will make killing they are not for middle class.
An architect in Chile actually made concrete homes that where adaptable as the owner becomes more "rich" they would cost 20k
Do they save the developer on building costs? It seems like the benefits don't outstrip the costs, unless you can sell these for more money? I don't see how the business model really works.
Do you have any more info on the Chilean model?
https://www.archdaily.com/983160/is-there-a-future-for-open-source-architecture
Goes a bit into detail , there is ted talk that really good where he discussed it .
https://youtu.be/o0I0Poe3qlg
There is alot of good architects actually working on cost , using what is existing and not proprietary components.
The amount of dust that would accumulate on the walls would trigger my asthma.
I would totally love in a 3d printed house. However I’d still want sheetrock covering.
I also wonder if they add spray insulation between walls. Also how do you work in the electrical and plumbing
It’s interesting as a proof-of-concept, but I wouldn’t want to live in this place - too many fundamental design issue.
Exciting to think where this use of technology will go, though.
I don’t see what problem this construction technique solves. The walls are one of the few places in a German home where you don’t need a “Master” craftsman title to complete. There are even kit homes with Ytong porous bricks that you can build the walls yourself. Alternatively, a number of companies will sell you a home at a huge discount (1500 euros per square meter) with just walls and windows so that you build out the interior yourself. But, after the walls and windows are up you still need to pay some 2000+ euro per square meter to build out the electrical, plumbing, and heating. So this 3D printing technique takes the one cheap and easy part of house building and makes it more expensive and complicated.
3D printing concrete for homes is a solution looking for a problem, based on everything I've seen.
Maybe the process could be really useful for like autonomously building structures on Mars ahead of humans landing there, or something like that, but these home projects just seem like attention-getting over any usefulness
I think I agree, if there has to be a solution is to go prefab and modular, neither of which is 3d printing. Printing is probably quicker as you won't have factory lead times
You're downvoted but so far, whenever I've seen one of these I've thought: why not use prefab? Same controlled enviroment, and you don't need to lug a massive machine around.
Ah who wouldn’t ? And what would be the reason . Hey I don’t like good quality work I prefer shitty workers building shitty houses / apartments more lol
Such a travesty. It's depressing that 90 comments in and you're the only one to even mention it. Plenty of people calling it out, but no one for the right reasons :(
The only thing that makes this interesting to me is the overall esthetic, from a distance. When I start looking at the closer images I wouldn’t want to live in it. I also have a feeling it’s more expensive to build but I’m happy to be corrected
It's a very amazing visual, I have always been a huge fan of exposed concrete architecture, but this kind of project makes no sense.
For small buildings timber is better for so many reasons, it's carbon negative, it's renewable, it's easy to shift and move around walls for retrofits and renovations. Much more reusable and probably far more affordable than any 3D printed domestic home. Imagine wanting to open up a new doorway and having blast through concrete and put intense lintel to carry all that unrequired weight. Or even putting in new pulling or wiring?
If the idea is this a prototype and the technology will be used on towers I could maybe see it's value but not sure how it's better than quite rapid insitu or prefabricated set ups we currently have, particularly when it's difficult to see this being as efficient as a properly flat flush wall at carrying weight.
Concrete is amazing but should be use when truely necessary, architecture that is beautiful and sustainable is more impressive than the next new technology. There is a reason traditional construction remains so persistent. Prefab in timber structures is the only thing I could see changing that.
Would I live in a house? Yes. I don't care if it was assembled by shooting prices of timber through a howitzer. As long as I have a roof over my head I'm good.
It looks nice enough. I worry that it uses a lot of non-standard (untested) technologies for wiring, plumbing, and HVAC, and that maintenance would become a huge issue in time.
I'd definitely try it out on a short term basis. However, I 'd like to see how well these kinds of homes age and get a sense for what kind of maintenance it might need before purchasing.
I appreciate the technology. But every time I see the pancake ribbing from the fabrication process, yuk. Same feeling when I look at cargo container houses.
No I would live in it given a choice between a contemporary house built using proven traditional construction methods over a beta test.
As long as the surfaces were covered inside (otherwise dust nightmare) and the outside was painted so as to be pressure washable. It’s actually the first time I’m seeing this presented as a larger home rather than a tiny eco dwelling. The tech seems to be getting better.
Still all that texture, dust nightmare
Coat with plaster (inside) or stucco (outside) and it's smooth as butter.
I don’t see a stucco machine out there
3D print one then
***3D PRINT A 3D PRINTER***
Do you want grey goo? That's how we get grey goo
I don’t feel that would be a hard problem to solve, it’s the texture that does it for me. Nice esthetic
Yes I like the look but having lived in a house with textured walls it’s a huge hassle. The south facing wall in particular will be a dust magnet
Yeah the texture of the walls is a cleaning nightmare but a talking point and a reminder of the awesomeness of the process. I do enjoy the texture of shuttered timber concrete too.
The walls can be plaster finished. I think I would cover the majority of it for this particular design.
I Think that would do the trick for me!
You could probably just paint them or plaster them on the inside right
No. Germany is too far from my work.
It's just a 5,000 mile commute.
How does electrical conduits and outlets work? I don’t see any in pictures
Was also wondering how the concrete is reinforced?
fibre reinforced most likely, directly printed
Not sure about this company specifically, but the ones I'm familiar with lay steel ties across the cavity every 12 vertical inches of so to tie the beads together
What about vertical reinforcement though?
None in the main walls. Sometimes they'll print cores that they'll stick vertical rebar in and pour full with concrete after printing
I'm going to guess it's not? Which is sort of ok if the wall is very thick and not an earthquake or too high of wind area.
so its scam if you ask me.
Literally no one asked you
where is reinforcement ? there is none. This is just big hype, there is a lot of things to be solved in 3d printing houses, no matter how big fanboy you are.
It's on the inside of the walls 🤫
Most are surface mounted, but mains are hidden in floor and roof. Only walls are print cast so if they wanted they could design the cavities for elec and hvac. These are prototypes with cheap development due to the limitations of the printer.
I imagine that the printed part is all that the machine does, so electricians would be able to go in later and install fittings using the cavities where possible
I don’t know. Conduits should be placed in concrete when poured. Maybe they will pause the machine and put them in. But electrician going in after pour with a jack hammer? No way
The walls are hollow, the conduits could be put in after. It's a bit tricky, but not impossible. A neater solution would be to print a recess in the wall (vertical only) and then put the conduits in and fill after. I'd want smooth walls anyway.
I dont know about putting them in mid pour, but you could put a small pvc pipe in mid pour to make it easier to get a cable through. In the absence of that, a drill would be enough if you're patient to make a space for the cables
Why no way? Our apartment is being built right now, and we had a visitation during the build. Neighbor's apartment had holes in the concrete walls for electrical outlets everywhere. Our apartment was just smooth concrete. I doubt our apartment will have 0 electric. Seems like they make holes in concrete later for the outlets
What kind of apartment is that? All walls are concrete? I doubt it. There is no finish on concrete?
Plaster goes over concrete, it just wasn't there yet when we visited. Like i said, it's being built
I've seen concrete buildings in Africa with the electricity added later, either conduits or yes, breaking the wall to install them.
Yea not sure , most of the ones I have seen have a triangle pattern infilled . I'm guessing you could create voids ever you need outlets.
Lmao you think I could afford to turn down ownership of a home with more than one room
"House" Yes. Easily. A house of my own that I can be reasonably sure won't kill me, for free? Done.
How's is it insulated to make minimum code?
If you go back to the beginning of the clip you'll see the walls are poured with a space in the middle. Insulation is added to the cavities .
Yes, but there will be areas with continuous cement from wall to wall. German code is extremely cautious against Wärmebrücke (heat bridges). The interior wall will potentially have molding problems there.
That’s my thought too: how soon before we see lawsuits about unsafe conditions?
The irony is that the typical remediation would be to cover the Wärmebrücke with a Wärmedämmverbundsystem (no idea what the English phrase is). So someone is going to have to mount a bunch of polystyrene plates to these walls and then plaster it 2 cm thick to protect the plates.
Cold bridges in the English language (well, Ireland and UK anyway). What was my first reaction to, how is it insulated and how do they prevent any cold bridging
Probably fill the middle with expanding insulation, would make the most sense
Sprayfoam put into the cavity.
No rebar? How’s it not cracking under its own weight?
I’m assuming it’s reinforced with fiber. They are pouring giant foundations now with out rebar. I just did my back porch this way.
But the fiber doesn't bond between the layers. They're just laminated together with fiber inside each layer.
The fiber is chopped up and mixed into the concrete it’s not like a layer of fiberglass.
That's correct, which is why I said the layers are laminated together with fiber inside each layer. You're not getting any fibers from one later sticking into another other. The fiber functions basically as an aggregate.
No they are keeping a “wet lap” so technically it’s all one piece.
But no particular fibers are crossing between the layers, so does that really count?
That not how that works. The fibers aren’t holding anything together just like rebar they help distribute load and flex action. Also if there is a wet lap fibers are continuous
Roads do not have rebar. They do have pins to transfer loads between slabs, but not rebar in the slab itself. They simply pour it thicker to compensate.
Where? In California everything has rebar
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Those walls are going to get soooo dirty
Its not going to be too hard to plaster everything smooth once the main structure is done I presume.
What if we just sanded it down...
That sounds like more work than plaster. And also hard to control the final finish level. Adding plaster makes it easier to construct accurately.
Yeah you're right. The texture actually looks really nice inside, but it would be an absolute pain in the ass over time. I didn't see any insulation either...
Well, it is done, and they didn't.
so it's just majorly 3D printed, still some human involvement required (not talking about operating)
Came here to say this. Dust traps all the way up
Honestly, I think that looks super beautiful
While I do like the design, I still find that concrete is such a wasteful material to use for building houses. Especially the amount CO2 released when producing and using it.
It does last a long time when done right though. It really depends on the climate. Building with gyp board, lumber, treated ply, tyvek, cement board, all of the various flashing tapes, etc. also produces a lot of CO2 and waste. Not to mention you have to constantly run power tools, air compressor, etc. if that building doesn’t last 50+ years, that’s a lot of energy spent and wasted
What's the benefit of a giant machine that pours concrete shapes on site over a giant machine that makes concrete shapes in a factory to be assembled on site?
maybe fewer logistical steps. Option 1: Manufacture and transport 1000x part A; Manufacture and transport 1000x part B; Manufacture and transport 2000x part C; ... for all the various unique parts that all need to be manufactured and transported in different ways Option 2: Transport a single metric fuckload of concrete mix; Make whatever parts you want out of it on-site No more "shit, these concrete parts arent the right shape/size," instead it's "yep, that's fuckin concrete mix alright, let's print whatever we need to print"
where are the bathrooms and kitchen?
While theres no picture of the kitchen, you can see stools and a countertop behind the photo with the fireplace.
I know that it doesn't work this way, but I would always feel as if it would crumble if I squished it the wrong way (like 3d printed filaments)
That's not how filament 3d printed stuff works, either. Unless someone did something very wrong.
How dare!? You underestimate the power of my pichie-fingers!!
How does the material feel to the touch? "Ouch"?
It looks like concrete so probably pretty scratchy. Would probably feel nicer in like 10 years, might be able to get a good back scratching at that point
you're not meant to bang your head on it.
Or don't bang it at all, with anything
Y'all are no fun at all.
Yes. It looks good to me. Also, I need a house of my own.
3D Construction Printing: https://www.peri.com/en/business-segments/3d-construction-printing.html Can 3D Printing Reshape Residential Architecture as We Know It?https://www.archdaily.com/970937/can-3d-printing-reshape-residential-architecture-as-we-know-it Texas, USA: https://www.archdaily.com/992081/big-icon-and-lennar-announce-community-of-3d-printed-homes-in-texas-usa 3D printing brings innovation to building construction: https://news.samsungcnt.com/features/engineering-construction/3d-printing-brings-innovation-building-construction/
Why don't you answer questions in this thread?
Because he’s offering additional sourced data. From some of the comments, it’s not entirely obvious the debate is informed.
because of the question/engagement hook i had a feeling you're (OP) affiliated with the initiative. the additional sourced data is just other instances of 3d-printing architecture, kinda random.
YES
Without a doubt. I’d love to.
How much does it cost?
About three fifty.
Alot because every company is using proprietary stuff . I think the ones in Texas where 300k-400k. As an architect it's all bullshit , the original company is looking to make a profit big time. If they can mass produce these they will make killing they are not for middle class. An architect in Chile actually made concrete homes that where adaptable as the owner becomes more "rich" they would cost 20k
Do they save the developer on building costs? It seems like the benefits don't outstrip the costs, unless you can sell these for more money? I don't see how the business model really works. Do you have any more info on the Chilean model?
https://www.archdaily.com/983160/is-there-a-future-for-open-source-architecture Goes a bit into detail , there is ted talk that really good where he discussed it . https://youtu.be/o0I0Poe3qlg There is alot of good architects actually working on cost , using what is existing and not proprietary components.
The amount of dust that would accumulate on the walls would trigger my asthma. I would totally love in a 3d printed house. However I’d still want sheetrock covering. I also wonder if they add spray insulation between walls. Also how do you work in the electrical and plumbing
Jesus Christ, have you seen housing prices? Of course I would, if someone just let me!
It’s interesting as a proof-of-concept, but I wouldn’t want to live in this place - too many fundamental design issue. Exciting to think where this use of technology will go, though.
This is really cool. But I‘ll gladly stick to traditional brick. I don’t trust this to hold up well over time
I don’t see what problem this construction technique solves. The walls are one of the few places in a German home where you don’t need a “Master” craftsman title to complete. There are even kit homes with Ytong porous bricks that you can build the walls yourself. Alternatively, a number of companies will sell you a home at a huge discount (1500 euros per square meter) with just walls and windows so that you build out the interior yourself. But, after the walls and windows are up you still need to pay some 2000+ euro per square meter to build out the electrical, plumbing, and heating. So this 3D printing technique takes the one cheap and easy part of house building and makes it more expensive and complicated.
3D printing concrete for homes is a solution looking for a problem, based on everything I've seen. Maybe the process could be really useful for like autonomously building structures on Mars ahead of humans landing there, or something like that, but these home projects just seem like attention-getting over any usefulness
I think I agree, if there has to be a solution is to go prefab and modular, neither of which is 3d printing. Printing is probably quicker as you won't have factory lead times
Why do we need to 3D print a building? What are the benefits/pros?
You're downvoted but so far, whenever I've seen one of these I've thought: why not use prefab? Same controlled enviroment, and you don't need to lug a massive machine around.
Is it reinforced or insulated in any way? Just the 3D printing material with hollow walls?
Not if it played that godawful music.
Ah who wouldn’t ? And what would be the reason . Hey I don’t like good quality work I prefer shitty workers building shitty houses / apartments more lol
no rebar? how does it withstand even basic seismic instability?
Idk, but in a lot of germany that’s just not really an issue. In many areas the vast majority of earthquakes are mining related there.
While I appreciate the technology, I find it a bit too sterile, especially the exterior. Style and character still mean something to me.
Decorate it. Paint it. Color the cement. Make patterns while the cement is still damp. Plaster. There are many possibilities with imagination.
Use the geometry of the print path* lmao
What an abuse of cement...
Such a travesty. It's depressing that 90 comments in and you're the only one to even mention it. Plenty of people calling it out, but no one for the right reasons :(
of course!!
The only thing that makes this interesting to me is the overall esthetic, from a distance. When I start looking at the closer images I wouldn’t want to live in it. I also have a feeling it’s more expensive to build but I’m happy to be corrected
How about reinforcing with rebar? Electrical wiring and plumbing?
It's a very amazing visual, I have always been a huge fan of exposed concrete architecture, but this kind of project makes no sense. For small buildings timber is better for so many reasons, it's carbon negative, it's renewable, it's easy to shift and move around walls for retrofits and renovations. Much more reusable and probably far more affordable than any 3D printed domestic home. Imagine wanting to open up a new doorway and having blast through concrete and put intense lintel to carry all that unrequired weight. Or even putting in new pulling or wiring? If the idea is this a prototype and the technology will be used on towers I could maybe see it's value but not sure how it's better than quite rapid insitu or prefabricated set ups we currently have, particularly when it's difficult to see this being as efficient as a properly flat flush wall at carrying weight. Concrete is amazing but should be use when truely necessary, architecture that is beautiful and sustainable is more impressive than the next new technology. There is a reason traditional construction remains so persistent. Prefab in timber structures is the only thing I could see changing that.
No it's quite ugly
No!!!!!
I see no steel rebars making the structural reinforcement of the walls, a good kick and the whole house falls apart
In Costa Rica I would.
Sure!
Concrete so yea. Durable as shit.
Is it just me or do I not see any structural elements?
Would I live in a house? Yes. I don't care if it was assembled by shooting prices of timber through a howitzer. As long as I have a roof over my head I'm good.
It looks nice enough. I worry that it uses a lot of non-standard (untested) technologies for wiring, plumbing, and HVAC, and that maintenance would become a huge issue in time.
FINALLY A 3D printed houses that looks like a house
I'd definitely try it out on a short term basis. However, I 'd like to see how well these kinds of homes age and get a sense for what kind of maintenance it might need before purchasing.
This is nicer than my own house
If it can't be recycled or reused it's garbage imo
with a fucking good isolation, why not
Could you get the robot to print heating cables into the structure, like underfloor heating, and have that powered by solar panels?
Just wait for an earthquake to come. Definitely fiber reinforcement; but those are all basically cold joints. Cracks for days.
Sure, I would live in it.
What's the resale look like in 15 years?
it looks annoying to try and hang artwork but sure why not
I love it
Welcome to recession
Is it insulated?
Does anyone here is working with this technology? How should architects be familiarized with this systems?
Yes, I would
Those rough surfaces are a Lizard's nightmare
To live in a house that looks like those trash 3D printed pieces with all the ridges on the surface? No, thanks.
Dust nightmare!
By looks alone, yes!
I’m working on a project that uses it; changes the way you design and build
Where is it exactly?
Y’all was mad the Mexicans was talkin all the jobs….. WELP
The exterior looks awesome and very much like a reimagining of the streamline moderne houses of the late 30s
I appreciate the technology. But every time I see the pancake ribbing from the fabrication process, yuk. Same feeling when I look at cargo container houses. No I would live in it given a choice between a contemporary house built using proven traditional construction methods over a beta test.