Practically, the first 3D printed house has been just over the horizon for years but (to my knowledge) none had begun construction until now.

 

The Dutch design firm, Dus Architects, recently announced that using their giant KamerMaker 3D printer, work is finally underway on a 3D printed canal house in Amsterdam. The house won’t be printed in a single piece but room by room. And no one’s promising exceptional speed—the hope is to finish three years from now.

 

Each of the house’s 13 rooms will be printed separately and assembled on site. The 3D printing process will combine the traditionally separate elements of inner and outer façade, ornamentation, and structure. The printer will leave space for key infrastructural elements like pipes and wiring. Concrete will provide insulation and structural support.