Effective architectural design components of 3D printed housing: A systematic review

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Milad Rezazadeh ¹

Hamed Mazaherian ²

Mohammadreza Matini ³

¹ PhD in Architecture, Department of Architecture, School of Architecture, College of Fine Arts, University of Tehran,Tehran,Iran.

² Associate Professor, Department of Architecture, School of Architecture, College of Fine Arts, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

³ Associate Professor, Department of Architecture, School of Architecture, Art University of Iran, Tehran, Iran.

https://doi.org/10.22067/context.2025.91936.1012

Abstract

This research presents a conceptual framework for designing houses constructed with 3D printing, derived from an extensive review of relevant architectural literature. This innovative technology addresses crucial aspects and considerations for effective housing design. The article summarizes the architectural fundamentals necessary for 3D-printed homes, analyzing various academic articles and scientific sources to extract pertinent information. The findings cater to the needs of architects, engineers, and researchers, providing insights to enhance their design and decision-making processes. Key features of 3D-printed housing are categorized into five areas: structure, materials, printer types, construction sites, and architectural features. Concrete is identified as the primary material for building these homes, with construction permits available in regions like Iran. Two major printer systems are prominent in this field: the gantry system, ideal for larger, simple layouts, and the robotic arm system, suitable for intricate designs with limited production scope. For construction, on-site building is recommended with gantry systems, while workshop methods are better for complex designs.
Concrete's tensile limitations can be addressed using steel reinforcements. Architecturally, designs may feature curved walls and unique geometries, making them compatible with computer-aided design. Overall, 3D printing is best suited for small, one-story homes, but combining traditional structural elements can allow for higher constructions while maximizing this technology’s potential.

Keywords

housing construction

house 3D printing

digital fabrication

mass customization

architectural design criteria

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The author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).

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