With population still on the rise and cities not getting any bigger to accommodate the masses, compact homes are becoming more and more in demand; enter the 3M futureLab 2014 project. Peter Ebner, an architect and professor born in Hallwang, Austria, and based in Munich, Germany, challenged his students to build a tiny, easily transportable 3D printed apartment. Through the 3M futureLab 2014 project, they came up with a life-sized sand castles, of sorts.
Constructed using a mixture of sand and glue, the 3M futureLab 2014 project saw that not only is the 50 square feet home 3D printed, but also the thermal insulation, electricity, heating water, and sewage systems. It boasts a bed, kitchen, and bathroom (that comes complete with a foldable toilet). It is meant to target 25-35 year olds.
3D-Printed Sand Castle Homes
The 3M futureLab 2014 Project Creates Compact Living Spaces
Trend Themes
1. Compact Living Spaces - Creating tiny homes that are easily transportable and 3D printed could revolutionize housing for urban citizens.
2. Integrated 3D Printing - Using 3D printing to create entire homes, including insulation, electricity, and plumbing, could streamline the construction industry.
3. Personalized Housing - By using 3D printing technology to create custom living spaces, architects and developers can provide customized homes to meet specific needs and preferences.
Industry Implications
1. Construction - 3D printing technology could disrupt the construction industry by enabling faster, more efficient, and more sustainable types of building.
2. Real Estate - The ability to 3D print compact living spaces could impact the real estate industry by changing what is considered desirable for urban living.
3. Architecture - The integration of 3D printing technology in the design and construction of homes presents new opportunities for architects to experiment with new design concepts and create innovative housing solutions.