Prefabricated homes are trending. Architects and builders are increasing their offerings in this area every day. The goal: to build quickly, adapting to demand and at an affordable price for people.
Now, Japan is taking it a step further, manufacturing 3D-printed houses at a price similar to that of a car. The real estate company Serendix has put the printing machine into operation to create its Serendix50 model, a 50-square-meter house for two people.
Months earlier, the Japanese company had unveiled a smaller model, the Serendix10, measuring 10 square meters, which could be built in under 24 hours. All six versions of the house that went on sale quickly sold out.
Model for two people
Now the company is proposing its new housing for senior couples looking for an affordable and efficient home to live out their retirement years.
Serendix50 has a living area of 50 square meters and is built using a system patented by the Global Research Institute at Keio University, Tokyo, which integrates digital design and production principles. The prototype was built in 44 hours and 30 minutes.
The digital manufacturing process utilizes a 3D printing robot for the structure and a CNC (Computer Numerical Control) cutting system. Both techniques guarantee strength, fire and water resistance, and good thermal insulation.
Real image of a 3D printed house. Serendix.
As for the property's features, it includes an open-plan living room, kitchen, and dining area, a bedroom, and a terrace, and is equipped with solar panels. The price for this proposed home is approximately €31,000, which is 90% lower than the average cost of a house in Japan.
NASA Award
The Japanese company already has award-winning models, even recognized by NASA. Specifically, in 2021 it built its Sphere, a futuristic design by Japanese architect Masayuki Sono, which surprised many in the competition held annually by the space agency, with the aim of finding easy-to-build habitat solutions.
Other companies have taken note of this construction system, and now there are more examples of small 3D-printed homes on the market.
"In the automotive industry, 40 years ago, the reduction of product prices began thanks to innovation in the production process using robots," Serendix stated on the day of the presentation.
They added: "We believe that the 3D printer represents the beginning of complete robotization in the real estate industry.".
Indeed, this could be the beginning of a new industry with a dual objective: to eliminate mortgages and to facilitate access to housing for everyone.
Source: https://magas.elespanol.com/
