Expert sees 3D printing of houses as a technology of the future

An expert from the Technical University of Dresden sees 3D printing of residential buildings as a technology of the future - as in a current project in Heidelberg. "In the future, digital and largely automated construction - both with concrete 3D printing and with other digital manufacturing processes and often in combination with conventional construction methods - will become established across the board in residential construction," says civil engineer Viktor Mechtcherine. Dresden University of Technology has been developing its own concrete 3D printing process since 2014.

Three residential buildings are currently being built in Heidelberg using the 3D printing process. The developers at Korte Hoffmann Gebäudedruck say they want to offer serial 3D building printing in the future. According to the company, the legal framework for this offer is in place.

Expert: Digitalization and automation are indispensable

Expert Mechtcherine says: "The digitalization and automation of construction processes are indispensable in view of the existing challenges such as low productivity, shortage of skilled workers, high costs and quality deficiencies."