Fans of the new technology put us on the threshold of a new era. As open-source hardware, 3-D printing could potentially change the world. Following the example of open-source software, users could permanently improve digital construction plans worldwide. Product fabrication could move into the living room and carbon emissions could be reduced because fewer goods will need to be transported.
But where architecture is concerned, this fact remains: We cannot overcome the laws of chemistry and physics. Besides, appropriate materials like specialty gypsum are currently so expensive that cost alone precludes mass production.
Burry therefore proposes another competitor for the building construction industry: “I imagine 3-D printing coming in parallel with other technologies in the next 10 years, but I would put my money on solid timber construction as the next big trend.”
Cross-laminated wood is like plywood on steroids, Burry says, a bit like concrete in that it can be used to build the entire structure of a house in slab form, rather than having to build an internal frame. This means homes can be built faster and potentially cheaper. “The main production areas are Switzerland and Italy,” Burry says. “It’s a natural material, so it’s a reliable product. It also absorbs carbon while it’s growing and it’s lightweight, which means it’s sustainable too.
“That’s not to say these technologies can’t progress in parallel,” she adds. “Indeed, we can even 3-D-print with timber-based material.”
Much remains to be explored. 3-D printing will hardly get us to the moon, but it definitely offers the possibility of more complex geometries, building components that can adapt to climate changes, specialty tools and custom solutions, as well as building elements assembled from a variety of materials.
“3-D printing is a powerful and fascinating technology that is changing the way we think, work and create,” Moschella says.
We can’t wait to see the results.
from Houzz http://ift.tt/1ZNbxnL
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