World's First: Dutch Architect Plans To Construct A Building Using A 3D Printer

Janjaap Ruijssenaars, a Dutch architect, has announced plans to construct a building using D-Shape, a 3D printer. Reportedly, the printer will be used to create 20ft. x 30ft. sections out of sand and a binder that ends up being stronger than cement. The sections will then be connected, forming a rather intriguing-looking building.According to the BBC, the building will cost between $4 million and $5 million Euros, and is designed as a continuous loop. Although the building will need to be reinforced with concrete, the architect is quoted as saying that 3D printing is "amazing," and has facilitated his continuous loop design. Both private and commercial interest has been expressed in the building.

Dubbed the Landscape House, the goal is to build one in each country, with the first one slated for completion next year. According to Ruijssenaars, a private individual in Brazil has expressed interest in acquiring one to use as a museum for native artifacts. Unlike normal buildings constructed from wood and other materials, the 3D-printed house isn't a "waste of energy."

The image above is a render of what the final building is expected to look like. Says the architect: "For me as an architect it's been a nice way to construct this specific design – it has no beginning and no end and with the 3D printer we can make it look like that. In traditional construction you have to make a mold of wood and you fill it with concrete and then you take out the wood – it's a waste of time and energy."

[via CNET]