Today’s Solutions: November 02, 2024

3D printing started out largely as a hobby for creative tech users, but it has morphed into a new strategy for construction that allows for fast, affordable, and versatile building. One way it can be beneficial is that it allows structures to be built quickly without sacrificing structural integrity. As an example of this efficiency, the world’s first 3D printed school is slated to be built this year in Madagascar. 

The school is a collaboration between Thinking Huts, architecture firm Studio Mortazavi, and Hyperion Robotics. Once printed, the school will be a 1,700 square foot, single-story building which uses solar panels for energy, natural ventilation, and a rainwater collection system in its green design. The building will be able to accommodate 30 students and will be constructed using a pod system so further buildings can be built and easily attached to the original if the school needs to expand. 

The actual building process involves using locally-sourced cement to print the structure layer by layer before adding a corrugated metal roof, windows, doors, and furniture. The structure will take just 22 days to print, has wall space for insulation, and is 27 times stronger than sun-dried clay brick. 

This will be the pilot program, but Thinking Huts hopes to use the model to build other schools throughout the country and even internationally. 

Image source: Studio Mortazavi and Thinking Huts

Solutions News Source Print this article
More of Today's Solutions

This heartwarming Danish ad breaks down the ‘Us vs Them’ narrative

It’s rare that we publish a story about an advertisement, but then again it’s rare that an ad stirs so much emotion within its ...

Read More

NOAHs: Charlotte has a formula for long-lasting affordable housing

We recently shared how empty retail space could be the solution to California’s affordable housing crisis. Across the country in North Carolina, the city ...

Read More

A seat at the table for underrepresented communities

Climate change is already affecting all of us—however, those that bear the brunt of these consequences are predominantly from low-income, marginalized, BIPOC communities. So ...

Read More

Expanding democracy: Michigan opens new doors for formerly incarcerated voters

Malijah Gee's path from incarceration at the age of 17 to imminent freedom reflects the longing for a voice that has been suppressed for 36 years. ...

Read More