North America’s first two-story 3D-printed structure built in only 80 hours

One of the innovative methods nidus3D used in the project was a 3D-printed horizontal beam printed on site and lifted into place by a crane

The U.S. and Canada have seen several 3D-printed buildings in recent years, all of which have been single-story buildings. That’s changed with the completion of a two-story home in Ontario, the first multi-story 3D-printed building in North America.

To build the home, Canadian 3D construction printing company, nidus3D, used the BOD2 printer from COBOD, a leader in 3D construction printing solutions, whose technology has been proven in several countries and used to 3D print the first two- and three-story buildings in Europe.

The BOD2 can print with real concrete with a particle size up 10mm and 99% based on locally found raw materials. COBOD developed this low-cost solution, called D.Fab, in cooperation with the cement giant Cemex.

The two-story house is the second structure built by nidus3D, the first being completed earlier this summer. The new, 2,300-square-foot building will have a studio on the ground floor and a residence above.

One of the innovative methods nidus3D used in the project was a 3D-printed horizontal beam printed on site and lifted into place by a crane.

With COBOD International 3D construction printing technology, nidus3D has set out to address the current housing gap in Canada. COBOD and nidus3D both believe this new method of building will be a game changer for the housing crisis.

“We have a critical shortfall of skilled laborers and a massive and growing demand for housing all across Canada,” said Ian Arthur, one of the nidus3D founders. “If we do not begin to look at new ways of building, we’re never going to catch up. It is part of our core values, to seek solutions to address the housing crisis and to help build affordable housing with the help of 3D printing.”

One of the many advantages of 3D concrete printed houses is that they can be built quickly. The new two-story building took only 80 hours to print, down from 200

The new two-story building took only 80 hours to print

hours needed to construct the first building. nidus3D stated future buildings will be made even faster.

“Our technology and 3D construction printers enable faster execution of construction projects, as well as more efficient construction at lower cost due to the lower labor requirements and usage of low-cost concrete,” said Philip Lund-Nielsen, co-founder & head of Americas at COBOD International.

“COBOD’s 3D construction printers have been used all over the world, and while this two-story building in real concrete is a first and a great success for us in North America, the worldwide success of our technology proves the wide scale applicability of our technology.”