While a significant portion of global 3D printed buildings currently consist of single-story structures, the push for greater accessibility in housing has also meant a focus on constructing buildings with more stories. Notably, approximately 50% of all constructed single-family homes in the US are two stories or more. The company that has been pushing the boundaries of the 3D printing technology most in this respect in North America is Canadian-based nidus3D, which completed North America’s first 3D printed 2-story building in 2022. Now, beating their record, nidus3D has finished a 3D printed 3-story building near Toronto at 420 m2 (4,500 SF) using a 3D printer from COBOD International.
The house stands at an impressive 3.5 stories, approximately 12.5 meters (41 ft) from footing to top roof, of which 3 full stories were 3D printed in real concrete using locally sourced materials. Setting this project further apart is the inclusion of the world’s first 3D printed basement, a common element in many North American homes. Unlike traditional basements, which are typically poured in place, this basement was printed by placing the 3D printer directly within the excavation. The result is an easily accessible walk-out basement.
Co-founder of nidus3D, Hugh Roberts, expressed immense pride in their achievement: “nidus3D is proud to be the first in North America to successfully construct a three-story structure including the below-grade basement in 3D printed concrete. This project demonstrates what can be accomplished by combining nidus3D’s industry-leading expertise and engineering with world-class 3D Printing technology”.
The project’s exterior boasts a finish of traditional brick, harmonizing modern technology with the classic aesthetics of the neighborhood. It accommodates four apartments; two suites nestled in the basement, while the other two occupy the main building, forming semi-attached homes extending to the steel-framed roof. Tenants of the project will move in later in 2024.
Philip Lund-Nielsen, COBOD Co-founder & Head of Americas, commented from COBOD’s facilities in Miami, Florida: “We are very proud to see nidus3D beat their record by 3D printing the first 3-story building in our hemisphere – a feat that other COBOD customers outside North America have also achieved previously. Completing the world’s first 3D printed basement is another impressive achievement that only amplifies the technology’s potential to transform construction, and we notice with pride that multiple of our customers are pioneering what can be achieved with the 3D printing technology”.
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