By Isabelle Robinson, (AZO Build)

Dubbed ‘the next industrial revolution’ by The Institute of Structural Engineers, the use of automation and artificial intelligence is playing a key role in the construction industry.

The use of new technologies has allowed the more innovative engineer to offer low cost, unique buildings that can be quickly manufactured. Structural Engineer Victoria Richardson claims that as the need to create efficient infrastructure rises, the need to use 3D printing becomes more imperative (Richardson, 2017).

In March 2018, construction company Arup has teamed up with CLS Architects to unveil Europe’s first 3D printed house. The development aimed to demonstrate the potential of 3D printing technology in civil and structural engineering.

The prototype of the single-story structure is to be revealed in April 2018 at Milan’s design festival, Salone del Mobile. The 3D printed house will contain a living room, bedroom, kitchen and bathroom over an area of 100 square meters.

The project is known as 3D Housing 05 and has been designed to be dismantled and reassembled at ease. Currently, the house is being printed in Milan’s central square, Piazza Cesare Beccaria using a mobile 3D printing robot which has been provided by CyBe Construction from the Netherlands. In addition to this, one of the world’s largest concrete suppliers, Italcementi, is providing the base mixture for use when printing the concrete walls and roof.

One of the primary reasons for highlighting 3D printing technology for use in the construction industry is sustainability. Construction company, Arup, boasts that this technology will not only reduce waste during the building process but will also ensure that the printed parts of the project can be designed to be reused in future projects.