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Prague - The Czech Republic is welcoming its first 3D printed house. The structure floats, is three times stronger than traditional concrete and helps significantly cut construction waste.

The first 3D printed house in the Czech Republic is in the offing. Not only does it float, but it also demonstrates how 3D printing technologies can be used to create housing more sustainably than traditional means.

Known as Prvok od Burinky (Protozoon), the house will begin construction in June and will measure 43 square meters, according to an article from 3D Printing Media Network. It is designed to be partially self-sufficient, is suitable for year-round habitation, and is reportedly three times stronger than traditional concrete. 

The house’s ecological features include a green roof, a recirculating shower and reservoirs for drinking, utility and sewage. It is expected to have a lifespan of at least 100 years, and when it expires, the building material can be crushed and reprinted on location. 3D printing can also reduce construction waste significantly, according to the article.  In the Czech Republic, roughly 46 per cent of waste production is created by the construction and demolition industries.

“Compared to conventional brick buildings, 3D printing also generates up to 20% fewer CO2 emissions, which the European Union aims to cut by 30% by 2030 (compared to 2005),” said Libor Vosicky, CEO of Burinka building society, which is involved in the construction of the house. “It requires only about 25 workers to print one house (forty less than usual). The prices in serial production can hit a half of the cost of a conventional passive house. The self-sufficiency delivers further operating cost savings.”