The unstoppable wall
We’ve all seen the images of homes ravaged by natural disasters. Strong winds, heavy rain, significant flooding events and even earthquakes can leave homes in ruins. But what if there was a way to build a house that could withstand the test of time and nature?
At QOROX, we’re helping to create a more sustainable future for residential housing, printing walls that will be around far longer than the traditional timber frame construction we Kiwis are so set on building.
To truly understand the difference between our 3D-printed concrete walls and the traditional timber frame construction, we put them to the ultimate test. In a side-by-side comparison, we subjected both wall types to an intense pulling force. We think you’ll agree, the results are astonishing.
Our concrete wall withstood a staggering 5780kg of pulling force before failure. In comparison, the braced timber frame structure, constructed according to the NZ Building Code, crumbled under 1530kg.
This speaks volumes about the superior strength and durability of our 3D-printed concrete walls.
This test was required to construct New Zealand’s first 3D-printed show home in Hamilton, currently under construction in Hamilton by Iconic Construction. This wall type has been designed and engineered to comply with New Zealand’s Building Code standards B1 (structural) and B2 (durability).
B1: Buildings will withstand likely loads including wind, earthquake, live and dead loads.
B2: Confirming the use of materials that will remain functional for the minimum periods specified.
Not convinced? How about a few other benefits of 3D-printed walls?
Durability: Resistant to fire, pests, rot, and mold.
Energy Efficiency: Concrete offers excellent thermal mass, helping to regulate indoor temperatures and reduce monthly power bills for homeowners.
Speed of Construction: Our 3D printing technology significantly reduces build times compared to traditional methods.
Design Flexibility: Create unique and customized home designs with precision and ease.
Sustainability: Concrete is a durable material with a long lifespan, reducing the need for constant replacements.
