Construction firm Luyten 3D unveiled what is believed to be the first 3D printed house in the southern hemisphere.

The house, called Heptapod, was built in Luyten’s manufacturing warehouse in Melbourne, providing a glimpse of what future 3D houses could look like.

Luyten 3D CEO Ahmed Mahil said Heptapod is a fine example of the type of structure that can be constructed using 3D printing technology and will provide interested homebuyers with the ability to see and touch a 3D printed home in person before they order one.

“The Heptapod is a very versatile and aesthetically pleasing home that can be built to any size, requirement and style,” he said.

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Upsides of 3D printing technology on construction

Heptapod’s structure is Australia and New Zealand building code compliant and was built using Luyten’s Ultimatecrete 3D printable concrete, which the firm claims to be highly robust and eco-friendly.

The 3D printable concrete results in 82.5 megapascal (MPa) compressive strength after 28 days, four times stronger than the 20 MPa residential building code requires.

“The concrete walls can be retained in their natural state, or they can be painted or even smoothed further," Mr Mahil said.

“Light fixtures and fittings can be tailored depending on the style requirements of the owner — because of the load capacity of the structure, the Heptapod is ideal for remote locations as it works well with changing temperatures, harsh climate and weather events.”

Heptapod was built in three days — the structural elements were printed in the first two days and assembled on the third.

Mr Mahil said the printed elements were ready to handle and be moved within only five hours of being printed.

“This is the great thing about our special concrete mix, it cures quickly and delivers results that supersede what is currently available at four times less cost."

Mr Mahil said the 3D printing technology allows construction projects, which traditionally take months or years to complete, be finished in a matter of days.

Furthermore, Mr Mahil said the technology reduces 60% of construction waste, 70% of production time, and 80% of labour costs.

“In addition, the technology is proven to increase construction site efficiency with 60% guaranteed costs savings, 300 to 500 times shorter execution times, and an 80% total reduction in monetary expenses without formwork in concrete construction,” he said.  

3D printing homes is eco-friendly too — Mr Mahil said Luyten 3D’s technology employs up to 40% less carbon dioxide emissions through propriety mixes that reduce use of cement, and the robotic systems reduce construction site and logistics carbon dioxide footprints by 50% to 70%.

“We have already taken many orders for the Heptapod where they will be used for affordable housing in regional areas of the country, through to the establishment of schools and accommodation offerings as well,” he said.

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Photos provided by Luyten 3D

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