South African Government Allocates 25 Housing Units To Pilot 3D-Printed Technology

A South African government department responsible for scientific research, including space programs, the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), has highlighted its focus on solving the housing shortfall in South Africa as it pilots 3D-printed homes. 

The department had during a presentation to the country’s parliament this week, announced that 25 housing units had been allocated for the demonstration with the 3D printing technology.

According to the agency, the project is organized in collaboration with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Human Settlements. 

“During the search for an innovation-based system to improve the delivery of human settlements, the DSI is supporting the demonstration of 3D printing of houses through the use of additive materials technologies,” it said. 

“The following initiative is aligned with the country’s effort to move sustainable human settlements to green, smart, and sustainable settlements in the context of 4IR and climate change,” the company noted. 

The pilot of 3D-printed homes is part of South Africa’s 10-year plan to establish sustainable human settlements. 

The President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa on his part noted that 3D-printed homes will be part of his government’s science and technology plans mooted to help the economy’s recovery. 

With 3D-printed homes still falling under the purview of a. emerging technologies, developing countries like Mexico are testing with 3D-printed homes to help provide the deprived portion of the population. 

One of the Giant 3D printers, known as Vulcan II, has the capacity to build a home within 24 hours.

Vulcan II is achieved with the process of specially mixed concrete that hardens quickly, which the machine prints in a series of layers, creating a ridge-effect in the walls.

“The initiative aligns with the countries effort to transition sustainable human settlements into smart, green, and sustainable settlements in the context of climate change,” it said. 

Construction coy, ICON had revealed how its proprietary wall system and advanced materials are more robust and longer-lasting than traditional building materials, noting that they also provide more resilient and safer homes designed to withstand extreme weather, reducing the impact of natural disasters and printing at high speeds and scale.