Is the South African construction industry ready for 3D printing?

South Africa’s housing crisis could soon see a much-needed boost from 3D printing technology.

With an estimated 20% of the country’s urban households living in informal settlements, the government’s announcement of a pilot project to create 3D-printed homes has come as welcome news. However, is the country’s construction industry equipped to embrace this innovative technology? 

According to Databuild CEO Morag Evans, the answer is a resounding yes. ‘The sooner our construction industry embraces 3D printing technology, the sooner we will reap its manifold benefits,’ she says. 

The rise of 3D printing in construction 

While 3D printing is not new to the construction industry, it is relatively new to South Africa. Since the first 3D-printed commercial building was constructed in Dubai in 2016, this technology has been used worldwide to create office spaces, homes, schools, and even pedestrian bridges. 

On the continent, Malawi recently became home to Africa’s first 3D-printed house and the world’s first 3D-printed school. Called 14Trees, the company behind it has operations in Malawi and Kenya and can build a 3D-printed house in just 12 hours at a cost of under $10,000 (R192,755.48) 

How does it do this? The technology essentially involves using enormous printers to extrude or ‘print’ layers of a specially mixed material, like concrete, to create the required structure. ‘A significant advantage of the technology is that recycled materials can be used to create the concrete, which reduces the build’s impact on the environment,’ says Evans. 

The Benefits of 3D Printing in Construction 

The advantages of 3D printing are aplenty. One of the highlights surely has to be that it rapidly improves turnaround times in construction. With developers and contractors facing increasingly shrinking budgets and tighter deadlines, making for very small profit margins, 3D printing can play a crucial role.  

‘The beauty of the technology is that it is significantly quicker to execute, with projects being completed in a fraction of the time it would take using conventional construction methods. For example, it can take up to several weeks or even months to build an average-sized home, but with 3D printing technology, a residence can be constructed in less than 24 hours,’ says Evans.  

3D printing also facilitates savings on production costs. ‘Because the printer uses the precise number of materials needed for the build, accurate material quantities can be ordered, which means little to no construction waste is generated on-site. Additionally, the printer receives dimensions from a software program, so the structures produced are virtually error-free, resulting in further cost savings,’ adds Evans.  

However, perhaps one of the most significant benefits of 3D printing is that it reduces the number of injuries that occur on-site. ‘The industry has a bad reputation when it comes to worker safety. Risky construction activities, as well as site and environment conditions, are the main contributing factors to accidents and fatalities on construction sites. The automated nature of 3D printing, however, means workers can do their jobs more easily, ultimately leading to fewer injuries and fatalities,’ explains Evans.  

Future Job Prospects in 3D Printing 

As with any new technology, there are concerns about what 3D printing will mean for the future of jobs in the construction industry. However, Evans believes that 3D printing has the potential to create numerous jobs in this sector.  

‘Besides the skills needed to manufacture, sell, and maintain 3D printers, the technology will fuel the demand for specialised skills in areas such as design, model making, and prototyping. 3D printing only enables the frame and walls of a building to be constructed. Remember, windows, plumbing, electricity, and other elements must be installed separately, so the demand for jobs in these areas will remain,’ she says. 

As more construction role players commit to green design and sustainable construction practices, 3D printing technology will become increasingly important. ‘The technology is maturing rapidly, and it won’t be long before 3D-printed structures are the norm rather than the exception in South Africa,’ Evans predicts.  

It’s just a matter of watching this space and seeing whether our load-shedding woes will be able to keep up.