Digitally transforming affordable social housing
There is little doubt that 3D printing has the potential to revolutionize our industry, in terms of design ingenuity, speed of construction, affordability and environmental impact. Recently the Yhnova project by the University of Nantes in France put this technology to the test in the realm of affordable housing, assembling a team of researchers, architects, scientists and industry players to build an affordable 95m2 family home in a couple of days.
University researchers designed the Batiprint3D robot, whose laser system guided its four-meter arm in printing three layers; two of foam insulation and one of concrete. This was then covered in finishing plaster to create the curved walls of the five-room home. LafargeHolcim not only sponsored this project, but provided the specially adapted printable concrete mix to address the specific needs of the project: low hydration heat and fast setting.
Lafarge France teams sourced the available materials locally, and the nearby Saint Herblain concrete plant did a wonderful job accommodating the needs of this experimental worksite. Long-term LafargeHolcim collaborator, Bouygues Construction France, acted throughout the project in quality of master builder.
The result is a home that was quick and affordable to build, and energy efficient and spacious thanks to its curved walls. But the project does not end here, and built-in sensors will monitor the success of the structure and its thermal and acoustic properties over time in order to optimize future builds. We are in the early stages of application of 3D printed construction technology, but this has been an invaluable experience of the use of a robot on a real worksite!
The complete house was inaugurated on March 21 2018 by the mayor of Nantes, Johanna Roland. Watch the ribbon being cut on this exciting project below:
LafargeHolcim looks to the future of our sector
LafargeHolcim is committed to delivering innovative solutions that create value for our customers. Developing and adopting the digital solutions that support innovation, interconnectedness and bringing better solutions to more customers in more places is a key component of our future success. LafargeHolcim is innovating and seizing opportunities in the digital fabrication market by developing specific construction solutions for three identified markets:
- High value added architecture
- Robotic construction of prefabricated building elements
- Individual affordable housing projects
We have leveraged the scientific and technological expertise of our R&D Center in Lyon, France, to design a range of experimental concrete mixes for 3D printing.
