3D Printed Building

Four hundred years ago, the ornate canal houses of Amsterdam became a symbol of trade, living and craft that is still recognized throughout the world. Today this traditional architectural style is being combined with innovative 21st century technology to construct a fully functional canal house using 3D printing.

The project is part of an open, international collaboration for bringing together science, design, construction and community. The goal is to create building techniques, methods and materials that are cost-effective, sustainable and comfortable. Currently, the material being used is a bioplastic called Macromelt, which contains 80 percent vegetable oil, has a relatively low melting point, but is sturdy and stable. Other recycled materials are also being researched as possible additives, including wood pallets and natural stone waste.

The benefits of using 3D printing to construct buildings are many. As an additive manufacturing technique, the process takes raw material straight through to finished product with no waste. Designs can be printed locally eliminating transportation costs. And adding ornamentation and detail (to a canal house façade, for example) is easy and inexpensive.

At the end of the 3-year research project, it’s expected that the 3D Print Canal House will become a public building, but it will likely remain an important innovation hub for the building industry as well.