ECEC service built entirely in 3D concrete printing factory a first of its kind

New Zealand-based building firm Iconic Construction is behind an early childhood education and care (ECEC) service being made with 3D concrete printing technology, believed to be a first in the Southern Hemisphere.

Builders Johnny Gordon and Nick Lane were working on an ECEC development, and had plans designed, consented, and ready to begin when a chance meeting with Wafaey Swelim, from Qorox, and a visit to his factory, led them to switch their plans from timber texture precast panels to 3D concrete printed ones.

3D concrete printing can be much faster than traditional methods, and when the pair visited the factory they saw the printer at work, producing 35 square metres of finished walls in just over four hours. 

“We knew there and then that we needed to be a part of it, particularly as technology and automation are beginning to play a much larger role in the construction industry,” Mr Gordon told Stuff NZ. 

After the factory visit the pair altered the design, changing it to incorporate the technology. The resulting ECEC service will soon be the first commercial building made with 3D concrete printing technology in the Southern Hemisphere.

While the cost of 3D concrete is similar to timber texture precast, it can save thousands in foundation preparation, installation and time.

Once the panels are delivered to site, it takes just over 20 minutes to unload them from the truck, put them in place, and go back for the next one. Complex design features, such as curves, are easy to construct with this technology. The construction process is also more environmentally friendly, as it cuts down on building waste. 

In the event of a natural disaster, such as an earthquake or flooding, concrete walls are an asset, as they are completely waterproof, as well as being strong and sturdy. Concrete is also more climate resistant, and maintenance costs are lower for owners.

To learn more about Qorox, see here. For the original coverage of this story, please see here.