3D Canal House

3D Printed Canal House:

            3D printing has been gaining momentum in the past decade and has become a fascinating technology with endless potential. 3D printing allows you to translate a digital file into a physical product. Like the architect working on this project mentioned on our tour, “this closes the gap between what we can imagine and reality.” The possibility to translate a digital file into a physical product makes the prospects exciting for any architect or construction related person. This would cut costs extensively in transportation, and eliminating waste. It would also create a possibility of sending models via Internet for architects in global projects.

            A canal house was chosen as a site of the first 3D built house, as it is a symbol of Amsterdam. Choosing this house shows that innovative ideas can be incorporated into traditional houses that have existed a long time ago (3dprintcanalhouse.com).

            While 3D printing has its advantages in terms of replacing traditional building techniques, it has its disadvantages too. For all its lack of waste and more high-level detail, A 3D printed house still needs to comply with building regulations. The material used needs to be fireproof, well insulated and have a solid foundation. One wouldn’t want their house to blow away in a storm. The future however seems bright; research is being carried out to solve these in the future.

            The Kamermaker which is the large 3D printer device used is basically a large version of the Ultimaker. This is the small desktop 3D printer the architects use to print models.

 

 The picture on the left is the Ultimaker 

 On the right is the Kamermaker is seen

The Kamermaker, like any printer needs to be adjusted and to be tested to find the optimal settings. During the first tests, the material would have some unforeseen deficiencies. However, after each printing, the Kamermaker is adjusted its printing is enhanced.

 

Picture shows the development of the material

            For the materials used, the Kamermaker prints using bioplastics. The granulate that goes into the Kamermaker is called Macromelt. It is industrial glue developed by Henkel. Broken down, it is 80% vegetable oil. The disadvantage to this material is that it melts at 170 degrees Celsius (3dprintcanalhouse.com). This is very low and would not meet any fire safety regulations for building permits. To solve this problem is tough as the Kamermaker needs a material that melts at relatively low temperature and then hardens post-printing. This therefore means that the canal house is still far off from getting a permit to live in.

The Image on the right shows pieces that are manhandled and put together to build a room in the canal house

References

·      3dprintcanalhouse.com,. '3DPRINTCANALHOUSE By DUS Architects'. N.p., 2015. Web. 7 Mar. 2015.