Development of variable residential buildings with 3D-printed walls

Abstract

New 3D-printing technologies allows to make constructive elements, especially walls, faster and with formal diversity. The 3D-printed elements usually have self-supporting capacities, but they need to be reinforced or integrated into larger structures, to make buildings of large extension or height of several floors. This work proposes a residential construction strategy, focused on Chile, which combines a modular main reinforced concrete structure with partitions made of 3D-printed walls to obtain different housing organizations. For this, a structural grid and range of volumes are defined in BIM. In addition, a parametric programming is developed and prototypes of 3D-printed walls are made. The volumetric development provides a wide repertoire of residential surfaces, while the main structure provides a great flexibility of occupancy. The programming organizes the design and execution process, with numeric analysis and visualization capabilities. The executed prototypes demonstrate a constructive feasibility and architectural appealing. This development expresses the possibility to integrate 3D-printing in massive and varied dwelling construction, and suggests new paths for housing construction with the application of new design technologies and automated manufacturing in construction.