Readers like you keep news free for everyone.
More than 5,000 readers have already pitched in to keep free access to The Journal.
For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can help keep paywalls away.
# printed perfection
This building was constructed using a 3D printer. Yes, a BUILDING.
The structure in Shanghai was constructed using a printer that is over 150 metres long.
WONDERING HOW YOUR ever going to be able to get a foot onto the property ladder?
Following in the vein of innovative housing solutions such as living in the Tiny House Movement and converted shipping containers – it now seems it is possible to create a dwelling using just a 3D printer.
This five-storey building is being called the “world’s tallest 3D-printed building”.
The building was constructed by WinSun Decoration Design Engineering who specialise in the 3D-printed structures. Featured on 3Ders.org, last year the company built ten houses using this method in under 24 hours. Each of these properties cost just over €4,200 to build.
The printer used to create these structures is 6.6 metres tall, 10 metres wide and 150 metres long. The company estimate that by using the giant printer they will be able to make drastic savings on printing material and cut production time by more than half.
The company use their own special 3D printing “ink” – something which is a mixture of glass fiber, recycled construction waste, steel and cement. It is said to cut down on carbon emissions and create a safer environment for workers.
Built alongside the tower the designers have also constructed a villa. This building has over 1,000 square metres in floor space and features designed interiors and exteriors.
The company has already had a single-storey house pre-ordered by the Egyptian government which is due to be shipped. In the future they are looking at constructing a 3D-printed bridge and 3D-printed office blocks.
It is hoped that this new approach will get away from the labour-intensive view that might of been held about construction sites.
Read: What if you turned your home into a piece of artwork?
Also: This Leeside home brings high drama to the hill
