New Atlas writer Adam Williams reports on a new structure by Big Delta, a massive 3D printer from Italian firm WASP (World's Advanced Saving Project) that can create cheap housing from low cost materials such as mud and clay. The 3D printer produces layers of the building material which is stacked to create the structure.
The project is currently creating a new shelter, a very basic structure that is 106 inches high and 16 feet wide in diameter, made from clay, straw, and lime. It cost about €48 (about US$55) so far to build.
The shelter comprises a total of 135 layers so far, with each one taking 20 minutes to complete. Each layer weighs a hefty 300 kg (660 lb) and WASP says that two people and one 3D-printer setup could build an entire shelter unaided. Next, WASP will take a week's break from the project, then extend the shelter to a total height of 4 m (13 ft), before adding a roof and door. It's still early days in the project, and the team intends to experiment with different materials and techniques once the first shelter is built.
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