Because our home is custom designed and not simply chosen from a set of cookie cutter plans, we had to make an extraordinary number of decisions during the design process. Both Heidi and I had a really hard time trying to picture just what each room would look like. In the kitchen, should we put a second island with a prep sink in between the cabinets and the bar island? Do we have enough room for a large table in the morning room? These were all questions we had to ask ourselves, and rely on the designers and our imagination to decide upon.
Over the last few months I have come to the realization that if our builder was capable of 3D printing a model of each room in our future home prior to construction, I probably would have paid the extra money for this service. Currently, however, not many builders or designers out there are comfortable enough using these technologies.
One exception is a company based in the Netherlands called Tinello Kitchen & Interior. Although they specialize mainly in kitchen design, they are one of the early adopters of 3D printing within the field.
The director of the company, Frans Klis, believes that Tinello is the first kitchen design company in the world to use 3D printing in this way. The company worked in partnership with 3D Systems Benelux, creating a highly accurate method for this purpose only. The process relies on a powder bed jetting machine from 3D Systems to create the models. The bulk of the process can be seen in the video provided below:
Having the ability to visualize the distances between counters, cabinets, appliances, and furniture can be a priceless option for those looking to design their perfect kitchen. That’s just what these 3D printed models are able to accomplish.
Although I’ve personally missed out on the 3D printing trend when it comes to home design, it’s nice to know that in 20 years when I redesign my kitchen this option will be available. On second thought, we may be 3D printing actual kitchens by then.
Let’s hear your thoughts on this awesome new visualization technique for home design. Discuss in the Tinello 3D Printed Kitchen forum thread on 3DPB.com.