First two-story, 3D printed house being built on Wolfe Island
3D printing has been used to create many things these days, but what if you could 3D print a house.
It’s not only possible but it’s happening right here in eastern Ontario.
A company called nidus3D is using 3D printing technology to build Canada’s first two-story house.
"(It’s a) really, really exciting project," says Ian Arthur, one of the company's founders.
The machine takes regular concrete and pours it layer by layer to build the walls of the home.
Founder Hugh Roberts says the information on where for the machine to go and how to do that comes from the typical blueprints you would need to build a house.
"They’re going through our BIM model and then going through our computer that instructs the big printing machine behind me and then it layer by layer adds material just like any small-scale desktop 3D printer," he explains.
"In a really predictable and automated way placing that concrete in order to grow a structure almost right out of the ground," Arthur explains.
The house is being built on Wolfe Island, which sits off the coast of Kingston, Ont. It’s the second structure the company has built so far; the first being in Windsor, Ont., earlier this summer.
Arthur says that was the first single-storey unit in Canada. This structure on Wolfe Island is the first time a two-storey unit will be built.
The company says building the home is only slightly more expensive than building your typical wood structure, and hopes to become more affordable over time.
Roberts says it is also more environmentally friendly.
"We’re optimizing the placement of only the material we need and reducing all of the waste that’s involved in conventional construction," he explains. "So these structures are built to last much longer and built with way less material."
Nidus3D is based in Kingston. Arthur was previously the area’s Member of Provincial Parliament, but chose not to run again this year, and instead run the company. He says that’s because he believes this will be a game changer for the housing crisis.
"We have massive shortfall of skilled labourers, massive and growing demand for housing all across Canada," he says. "So, if we don’t begin to look at new ways of building, we’re never going to catch up."
Arthur says these houses can be built quickly; this building's ground floor has gone up in two weeks.
The technology has been used in Europe, he explains, and while this two-storey is a first here, he hopes it won’t be the last.
"We want to see this technology scaled all across Ontario and all across Canada," he says.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Flights divert around western Iran as one report claims explosions heard near Isfahan
Commercial flights began diverting their routes early Friday morning over western Iran without explanation as one semiofficial news agency in the Islamic Republic claimed there had been 'explosions' heard over the city of Isfahan.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.