Cement firm Progreso recently accomplished the construction of Guatemala’s inaugural 3D printed building. Designed to endure the region’s seismic occurrences, this prototype merges advanced 3D printing methodologies with the area’s conventional artistry, evident in its thatched roof.
The edifice was constructed utilizing COBOD’s BOD2 printer, renowned for its contribution to several notable projects including a post office in India and a two-story dwelling in Europe. The 3D printing duration spanned 26 hours, distributed across a week. After this phase, manual labor was employed to incorporate windows, electrical and plumbing systems, and other necessities. Furthermore, a palm thatch, typical of the region, was affixed as the roof, with wooden slats to enhance natural air circulation. The house’s design prioritizes earthquake resilience.
The structure’s walls, rendered through 3D printing, possess unique contours that are economically challenging to replicate using the region’s dominant material, concrete blocks. These walls pair harmoniously with the ‘Rancho’ style palm leaf roof, a longstanding choice in Latin America for its cost-effectiveness, thermal properties, and suitability for earthquake-prone areas.
The dwelling itself spans 49 square meters, presenting an unembellished layout that accentuates the raw 3D printed concrete. Its interiors comprise a main living space, rudimentary kitchen, potential office or bedroom, and a bathroom. While the project serves primarily as a research endeavor, there are no plans to roll the design out en masse.
Source: cobod.com
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