This Multistory 3D-Printed Home Is Built to Withstand Hurricanes and Heavy Storms

When it comes to the construction industry, 3D technology has come a long way. With the help of advanced techniques, 3D printing is now used to create livable and sustainable homes at the fraction of a cost. Recently, a US-based company has developed a multi-story 3D-printed home that can withstand hurricanes and heavy storms, changing the landscape of sustainable 3D printed structures.

Multistory 3D-Printed Home

The first-ever multistory structure printed by a 3D printer in the United States was constructed in January by the design studio Hannah. It is a house that is 4,000 square feet in size, has two floors, and three bedrooms. Using a machine that weighs over 12 tons, the design is printed in a total of approximately 330 hours overall.

Objects are manufactured through the 3D printing process using a digital blueprint. According to Chris Woodford of Explain That Stuff, the printer can generate a model in hours by converting a three-dimensional computer-aided design (CAD) sketch into many two-dimensional, cross-sectional layers. These layers could be considered distinct two-dimensional prints stacked one on top of the other. A gradual formation of a precise shape occurs as each successive layer of liquid material, such as molten plastic, is solidified by the machine.

Figurines, home objects, and components for manufacturing companies are typically produced using this method on a smaller scale than is usually employed. Although the application of 3D printing technology to concrete structures is relatively recent, businesses such as Gensler and WinSun have been doing it since the middle of the 2010s.

In the construction field, implementing 3D printing might reportedly be a significant step forward. Since most of the materials are placed by the machine, the construction of a 3D building requires fewer workers to complete. Moreover, the printing equipment operates faster than the typical construction crew, which, according to the United States Census Bureau, takes approximately seven months to complete a project. Building a house could be completed more quickly and at a lower cost.

Since the technology was introduced in the 2000s, there has been much excitement around implementing 3D-printed buildings in recent years. Given that the building industry is recognized as a significant contributor to the emission of greenhouse gases, there is a growing interest in this technology.

A study noted that the construction industry reportedly consumes 40% of the world's materials and emits 38% of its greenhouse gases. Due to its energy-intensive production, concrete emits 8% of the world's carbon dioxide. Also, one of the primary ways that 3D printing could reduce the environmental footprint is by minimizing the amount of garbage produced. On top of that, it is believed that the technology of 3D printing is less demanding for employees.

Also Read: Advantages of Composite Materials in Construction Industry Innovation

World's Largest 3D House

On Jun. 8, 2023, Printed Farms, a company renowned for its projects, including the construction of the first 3D-printed house authorized in Florida, located in Tallahassee, further declares the accomplishment of an even more remarkable carrying out the printing of the luxury horse barn that holds the record for being the largest 3D printed building in the world.

The house barn facility is a unique masterpiece with a total floor area of 10,105 square feet or 939 square meters and a height of 13 feet or 4 meters. In terms of dimensions, the building is an incredible 155 feet or 47 meters in length, while its breadth measures 83 feet or 25 meters.

This world's largest 3D-printed tallest building can endure hurricanes and tropical storms. Its walls also present a hollow space and air passage for natural cooling, demonstrating 3D printing's adaptability and advantages.

Related Article: Earthquake Resistant Buildings: How Are These Structures Made to Withstand Disasters?