An Italian engineering company is attempting to 3D-print a basic house, with their end goal being to provide a solution to housing and shelter problems in crisis-stricken areas.

World's Advanced Saving Project (Wasp) created their 12-metre tall, six-metre wide 3D printer as part of a 3D printing event in Massa Lombarda, a small municipality in the north of Italy.

The machine works in exactly the same way as a regular 3D printer. The huge metal frame supporters a nozzle linked to a computer, which dispenses clay in a pre-defined pattern.

As the nozzle moves round and round and adds layers to the structure, a functioning shelter can be created quickly and easily.

3D-printed stethoscope - in pictures Show all 6 1 /6 3D-printed stethoscope - in pictures 3D-printed stethoscope - in pictures 3D-printed stethoscope The 3D printer used to manufacture stethoscopes by Dr. Tarek Loubani, a Palestinian-Canadian doctor, is seen in Gaza City. AP Photo/ Khalil Hamra 3D-printed stethoscope - in pictures 3D-printed stethoscope The 3D printer used to manufacture stethoscopes. AP Photo/ Khalil Hamra 3D-printed stethoscope - in pictures 3D-printed stethoscope Dr. Tarek Loubani created the stethoscopes to combat a medical supply shortage in the beleaguered Gaza Strip. AP Photo/ Khalil Hamra 3D-printed stethoscope - in pictures 3D-printed stethoscope The territory lacks many basic medical supplies. AP Photo/ Khalil Hamra 3D-printed stethoscope - in pictures 3D-printed stethoscope Doctors have said say the equipment is just as good. AP Photo/ Khalil Hamra 3D-printed stethoscope - in pictures 3D-printed stethoscope Dr Loubani's stethescope pictured beside a conventional device. AP Photo/ Khalil Hamra

The machine, named the BigDelta, could potentially be used in disaster-stricken areas or in developing countries, where solid and long-lasting shelter is needed, rather than just a tent or prefabricated structure.

The people behind Wasp also see themselves as members of the 'maker economy' - a new economic model that moves the production of goods from the hands of a few to everyone, using technology.

The use of 3D printing technology in construction has been used before - in Amsterdam, Dus Architects are currently attempting to build a completely 3D printed canal house.