The 3D printing technology, inspired by mason wasps, enables the creation of affordable housing at a record low cost.
The United Nations Development Programme has purchased a Crane WASP 3D printer priced at $180,000 to construct accessible housing in Colombia. This device, known as an "infinite 3D printer," utilizes local materials such as clay, silt, or cement to build fully functional homes.
In Colombia, over a quarter of households face a housing shortage. Approximately 3.7 million families require new homes, while two-thirds of existing houses need significant repairs. The Crane WASP technology aims to address this issue by providing fast and cost-effective construction.
The developers of Crane WASP drew inspiration from the construction skills of mason wasps, which create nests from soil. The UNDP will be able to set up these printers on challenging sites where conventional construction equipment cannot access, using local soil to print houses.
Unlike other 3D printing technologies for houses, such as Icon's Vulcan, which is building 100 homes near Austin, Texas (USA), Crane WASP is more mobile and flexible. It employs a delta design with four supports and a triangular mounting, allowing it to be installed even on uneven terrain.
The cost of building one house using Crane WASP is just $1,000, significantly cheaper than traditional construction methods. Additionally, multiple printers can be connected in a cellular structure for simultaneous construction of entire communities.
Illustration showing how several Crane WASP printers can work simultaneously on multiple structures
The United Nations Development Programme has not yet announced specific dates for the start of construction, but this initiative promises to be a significant step in addressing the housing crisis in Colombia.
Source: Newatlas
Comments (0)
There are no comments for now