Image: Serendix
Japanese building company Serendix has set a new milestone for 3D-printed homes, completing a 20-ton concrete house in just 23 hours.
The egg-like structure, which won NASA’s 3D-Printed Habitat Challenge in 2015, measures just 10 sq m, with triangular-shaped openings for windows. Japanese architect Masayuki Sono designed the house, which is named Sphere.
Image: Serendix
Image: Serendix
Image: Serendix
Early concept drawings show the home located in remote spots surrounded by nature, but this real-life version was built in a factory in Komaki, in Japan’s Aichi Prefecture. It took a total of 23 hours and 12 minutes to complete the Sphere prototype (although that doesn’t appear to include the tiny home’s interiors).
The reinforced concrete skeleton – which complies with Japan’s earthquake standards – was printed in just three hours, with the painting of the exterior reportedly taking the most time. Serendix hopes this can be reduced in the future using automation.
The Sphere home costs less than 3 million yen – just under £20k – to complete and has obvious uses as holiday getaways as well as disaster shelters. Serendix is currently taking enquiries about sales.
