3D-Printed Social Housing Constructed in France

Researchers from the University of Nantes in France have built a house using 3D printing technology as part of a social housing project, according to 3ders.org. The single-story, five-room house, named Yhnova, is located on the outskirts of Nantes and has an area of 95 square meters. In June, a family selected through the social housing program will move in.

The house will be equipped with various smart sensors and monitoring systems to track indoor air quality, humidity levels, and temperature.

Innovative Construction Technology

The construction used a robotic printer called BatiPrint3D, which was developed and patented by French researchers. Unlike other 3D construction printing technologies that use only concrete mixtures, BatiPrint3D works with construction foam and prints three-layered walls. Using a four-meter robotic arm with a construction gun, the robot builds the wall frame (formwork and insulation layers) from foam, and then builders pour concrete mixture inside.

A Step Toward Affordable Housing

According to scientists from the University of Nantes, this house is a clear demonstration that 3D printing can already be used to construct affordable housing.