Posted on 07/24/2015 5:05:06 PM PDT by 2ndDivisionVet
(SLIDE-SHOW-AT-LINK)
A pioneering 3D-printed house just popped up in Xian, China - and Chinese company ZhuoDa “built” the two-story villa in less than three hours. Made up of six 3D-printed modules, the house was assembled like LEGO bricks before a live audience who were then invited to explore the interior. The modular fireproof home can withstand a magnitude-9 earthquake and is made from a special construction material the company is keeping secret.
The company completed approximately 90 percent of the construction in an off-site factory before shipping the modular pieces to the installation site.
The company completed approximately 90 percent of the construction in an off-site factory before shipping the modular pieces to the installation site. This efficient and timesaving process dramatically reduces construction costs to just 2,500 – 3,000 yuan ($400 – $480) per square meter. According to An Yongliang, the developing engineer at Zhuoda, the 3D-printed villa only takes about 10 days to produce from initial construction to final assembly, while it typically takes half a year to build a traditional villa.
The house is capable of withstanding high-magnitude earthquakes because the modules, each weighing over 100 kilograms per square meter, bear weight independently. The steel-framed structure home can also be filled with heat-insulating materials. The Zhuoda Group has filed over 22 patents on their technology and is keeping their top-secret material under wraps. However, the company’s vice president Tan BuYong has revealed that the new material is sourced from industrial and agricultural waste, is fireproof and waterproof, and is free from harmful substances such as formaldehyde, ammonia, and radon.
After the structural framework was 3D-printed, the company applied decorative sheet textures to each module before final assembly. Homeowners will be able to choose from a variety of decorative textures, such as jade, marble, wood, and granite. Herbs can even be embedded into the walls of the house for ‘built-in aromatherapy.’ The buildings can withstand wear for at least 150 years.
“the new material is sourced from industrial and agricultural waste”
Nothing from Fukushima, I hope.
Sounds like a Nerf house.
It's China. It's probably made from people.
My thoughts too. Soylent Yellow.
The article says the construction cost was just $400 – $480 per square meter, but didn't say what the size of the house is, in square meters. Looking at the pictures, what would be a reasonable estimate, anyone?
“Looking at the pictures, what would be a reasonable estimate, anyone?”
115.1111111111 square meters
The proper term is assembled, not built.
Thanks. I did go to the link and check out the pictures.
It reminded me of a project one of my brothers got involved with in the late 70’s. He was a draftsman @ Boeing and became acquainted with an engineer (also Boeing) who had a plan to market something remarkably similar. My brother provided all the technical drawings for the proof of concept.
You could purchase an unlimited collection of these modular pieces from an assortment of purpose-oriented components such as living space, kitchen space, bathroom space, etc. They all interconnected like a huge Lego system so your home would be as compact and efficient or as grand as you like.
The problem was that it looked like joining together shipping crates and the end result was so plain and unattractive that he failed to attract investors.
Everything old is new again.
With those dimensions, the cost would be roughly $46,000 - $55,000. Wonder if that includes wiring, plumbing, and heating? Not bad...
Nifty idea, but sounds more expensive than traditional construction.
$400 – $480 per square meter?
“(I knew some smart FReeper would come up with a quick ballpark figure.)”
Actually, just a WAG ...
:o?
WAG=Wild Ass Guess.
A really quick estimate based on not a whole of information.
What I do all the time!!
Wild A$$ Guess
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.