Central Asia’s First 3D-Printed House Can Withstand Richter 7 Earthquakes
The first-ever 3D-printed house in Central Asia has been completed in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The project, completed by BM Partners, was finished in just five days, with the entire house ready within two months. The house is designed to withstand earthquakes up to Richter 7 magnitude, thanks to the use of extra-strong concrete typically used for large structures like skyscrapers and bridges.
The 1,076 ft2 (100 m2) house is equipped with expanded polystyrene concrete insulation to withstand extreme temperature variations in the region. The construction used a special high-strength concrete mix with a compression strength of almost 60 MPa (8500 PSI), significantly stronger than traditional materials used in Kazakhstan.
The project showcases the potential of 3D printing technology to revolutionize the construction industry, making housing more affordable and accessible. BM Partners CEO Marat Oshakhtiev emphasized the importance of embracing modern technologies to address the urgent need for earthquake-resistant, modernized housing solutions in Kazakhstan.
COBOD International, the company behind the 3D printer used for the project, highlighted the customizability of the concrete mix to suit different regions’ specific needs. The house’s construction was completed in just two months, with human builders adding finishing touches like windows, doors, and furniture.
The cost of the home was around €20,500 (approximately $21,800), making it a cost-effective solution compared to traditional construction methods in the region. The house will now serve as a showroom to showcase the capabilities of 3D-printed construction.
Christopher McFadden graduated from Cardiff University in 2004 with a Masters Degree in Geology. Since then, he has worked within the Built Environment, Occupational Health and Safety, and Environmental Consultancy industries. Chris is a qualified Energy Consultant, Green Deal Assessor, and Practitioner member of IEMA, with interests ranging from Science and Engineering to Politics and Philosophy.