Nestled in the charming community of Procter, just a few hours away from Calgary, lies a captivating 3D printed concrete house with breathtaking views of Kootenay Lake and the surrounding mountains.
This extraordinary tiny house, known as the Fibonacci house, was brought to life by Twente Additive Manufacturing (TAM). The 35 m2 (375 ft2) home features an eye-catching extruded Fibonacci spiral design, blending harmoniously with its picturesque environment. As I had the privilege of visiting the house and TAM’s 3D printing facility, I will present an honest and unbiased review of this revolutionary 3D printed concrete house.
How it was Built
Let’s delve into the fascinating construction process of the Fibonacci house. The foundation’s outline was 3D printed in separate parts at the factory, which were then assembled on-site. Insulating foam was applied inside and outside the foundation perimeter, followed by the pumping and leveling of concrete.
The main walls of the house were the result of printing 20 separate pieces using TAM’s unique 9-axis 3D printer, featuring an ABB robot and custom-made gantry. Each wall adopted a two-leaf cavity wall construction with horizontal rebar for added support. K1 concrete mix was used, enriched with an accelerant to ensure faster curing. The assembly process involved cutting the ends of the printed pieces for continuous insulation, minimal thermal bridging, and reduced condensation. A grey elastomeric paint, boasting 300% elasticity for superior water repellency and bridging microfractures, adorned the house.
In terms of cost and time, the walls’ 3D printing and installation were efficiently completed in five weeks by four workers, with a total cost of $6000. However, the overall cost escalated to $100,000 after finishing the rest of the house. This underscores the notion that walls are a relatively small and economical aspect of building a house.
Good
TAM is an inspiring and creative team. Their passion for 3D printing is evident in their form and material exploration. The choice of a Fibonacci spiral is not mere aesthetics; it was a cost-effective solution to achieve this shape through 3D printing. TAM’s versatile robot allowed them to create a sculptural table leg, bathroom sink, and a front door handle in the shape of a Fibonacci spiral. The 3D printed beads on the walls exhibited outstanding quality and precision, further complemented by the inviting warmth of cedar wood. Despite the challenge of furnishing a curved space, the interiors were thoughtfully designed to maximize comfort. The bathroom design is particularly inspiring, efficiently incorporating electrical components within a framed wall.
TAM’s dedication to transparency and openness is commendable, as they openly display their mistakes and challenges. Their commitment to innovation is evident in their diverse range of 3D printed projects, including staircases, modern-day stonehenges, and unique wall shingles. They have indeed broadened my horizons regarding the current state of research, development, and innovation in the 3D printing world.
Bad
Despite these positives, the Fibonacci house also reveals some drawbacks. Insufficient insulation at the foundation perimeter makes the floor uncomfortably cold, and visible cracks have formed on the exterior wall due to the lack of a continuous expansion joint. Additionally, certain areas, such as the concrete shingles and front door, exhibited gaps and inconsistencies.
Ugly
Like I said earlier, the people working for TAM are extremely creative and willing to learn, but they aren’t trained architects, engineers, construction managers or experts in this field and it shows. The beautiful, fun concrete shingles have gaps in between and are screwed directly over Tyvek. There’s no flashing at the top of the windows or the door. There are large gaps at the front door which lets in cold air and bugs. We killed about 50 spiders in 3 hours before bailing.
Conclusion
In summary, the Fibonacci 3D printed house represents a magnificent blend of art, innovation, and sustainability. Twente Additive Manufacturing’s creative spirit, commitment to learning, and passion for 3D printing make them pioneers in the industry. Although the project has room for refinement, it sets the stage for a promising future in 3D printed construction.