D-Shape's Plan To Build The First Printed Home

By the time Boylston Properties is building a garage in Watertown, it may be printing its elements rather than banging hammers to build it as we do today, says D-Shape partner Dan Bernard (standing, far right with a company team: at the computer, founder of D-Shape Enterprises, Enrico Dini.)

Dan, who works in the New York-based unit of this Italian company, is creating a new paradigm for construction by developing giant 3D printers that actually make building parts and entire structures using printing and robotics. He's another one of the speakers at Bisnow's Future of Real Estate event this week. 

Based on outside research, he reckons this new technology can cut construction costs by 25% or more through saving on materials, labor and energy and will be able to create new shapes  that can’t be fashioned through traditional construction. 

In August, Dan expects the group to start construction on the US’s first printed home: an estate for D-Shape New York president Adam Kushner (above: a test model of the pool area).

D-Shape is also working on multifamily housing, statues and aquaculture facilities for suppliers including one that produces fish for Whole Foods. Dan is talking to developers about working on large-scale residential developments in Boston. The D-Shape technology could lead to higher profits for users and lower-cost housing for consumers including temporary shelter for disaster relief, Dan says.

Stretch your mind at Bisnow’s Future of Real Estate event July 14, 7:30am, at The Ritz-Carlton Boston, 10 Avery St. Sign up here.