It’s hard to find a topic these days that lies outside of the conversation surrounding 3D printing. So it comes as no surprise that countries around the world are making efforts to understand the technology’s impact and to make sure that they stay ahead of the curve in terms of both adoption and innovation. The United Arab Emirates has already made quite a push for 3D printing, making a particularly big splash in the area of construction with its 3D printed office building in Dubai. They are not alone in their contributions to the development of 3D printed construction as China proved with the unveiling of an earthquake-resistant house, the Philippines with a 3D printed hotel and Russia with its recently introduced house 3D printed in 24 hours.
“Already now 60% of all 3D construction printing projects are occurring in Europe and the concepts found here are far more disruptive and represents a larger potential for labor and materials savings than the concepts and projects of the Chinese,” said Larsen & Partners CEO Henrik Lund-Nielsen. “In Europe a.o. due to weather conditions integrated solutions for insulation and moisture management need to be included in 3D construction printing concepts. Such solutions are completely missing in the projects realized in Asia and this is where the potential for serious cost reductions really is.”
While Europe has not yet emerged as the undisputed world leader, they aren’t starting from a standstill, either. If you have been paying any attention at all to the 3D printing construction industry in Europe, you will have heard of Enrico Dini, one of its leading proponents. The disciple of 3D print construction has been traveling the continent wooing converts to his cause with occasional bursts of good fortune. It seems that nowhere were his words more wholly appreciated than by this audience and seemed more concretely within the near future being delivered on the heels of the recent completion and opening of a 3D printed bridge in Madrid.
What is important to note is that even the wildest eyed among those at the conference were not suggesting that in the next half a decade 3D printed houses will begin popping up in every neighborhood (aside from an entirely 3D printed village in Italy). Rather the idea is that the key to integrating 3D printing into the domestic construction industry and to reaping the benefits of the process, rather than just being able to use it for wow factor, lies in the development of 3D printed components for construction. A combination of lower labor costs and reduced fabrication periods will save time which, as we all know, is money.
“Within 3-5 years we expect that 3D construction printing regularly will be used for single building components, but longer term entire buildings will be the aim, when regulations are adapted to make that possible,” said Kaare Flindt Joergensen, Concept Development Manager at NCC Construction.
The conclusion is far from forgone, however, and continued focus on and support for development is necessary if Europe is to even stay afloat in the business, much less assume a leadership role. It remains to be seen what kind of commitment Europe’s governments can make to enhance integration and innovation as it will take a great deal more than hyperbole and passionate visionaries to take this from a dream to reality. Discuss in the European Construction forum at 3DPB.com.
[Photos provided to 3DPrint.com by Larsen & Partners]