The History of 3D-Printed Housing: From Concept to Global Practice

3D printing in construction is no longer futuristic—it’s a rapidly maturing solution shaping the future of housing and infrastructure. Let’s explore how this revolutionary method evolved from research labs to real homes around the world.

1980s–2000s: The Birth of the Idea

The concept of building layer-by-layer using automated machines originated in the 1990s.Professor Behrokh Khoshnevis of the University of Southern California developed Contour Crafting—a technique for printing concrete walls rapidly and precisely. Originally intended for space missions (and supported by NASA), it was long considered too radical for mainstream use.

2000–2010: First Experiments

• At MIT, researchers developed the Digital Construction Platform, a mobile 3D printer capable of autonomous printing.

• Loughborough University (UK) launched its 3D Concrete Printing Group to explore printable cement-based mixes.

Though promising, these experiments remained largely confined to labs.

2014: Breakthrough in China

In 2014, Chinese company WinSun made headlines by printing 10 small houses in 24 hours, using recycled construction waste and a giant printer. This bold move drew global attention and kickstarted the industry.

2015–2020: Real Buildings Appear

The Netherlands

The Project Milestone in Eindhoven became the world’s first residential project where families moved into 3D-printed homes.

France

In 2018, the Yhnova House in Nantes became the first 3D-printed home to be inhabited, built in just 54 hours.

Russia

Apis Cor printed a house in Moscow in a single day using a mobile robotic printer.

UAE

Dubai now holds the record for the world’s largest 3D-printed building—a 640 m² office printed on-site.Dubai aims to 3D print 25% of all new buildings by 2030.

2021–2024: Entering Mainstream Use

• USA (Texas): ICON printed housing for the homeless and created a NASA Mars habitat prototype.

• Mexico: In partnership with New Story, a 3D-printed neighborhood was built for low-income families.

• Germany: PERI Group delivers commercial and residential projects.

• Spain, Czech Republic, Belgium: Architectural startups are using 3D tech for expressive and efficient design.

What About Portugal?

Portugal is emerging in this space:

• Universities and startups are testing materials and pilot projects.

• Algarve and Centro regions are being considered for the first printed homes.

• Government programs like Startup Portugal and IAPMEI offer innovation support.

The Future: Automation, Sustainability, and Space

• NASA and ICON are already designing habitats for the Moon and Mars.

• The EU and UN include 3D printing in sustainability and affordable housing strategies.

• Mobile and robotic printers will soon build not just homes, but bridges, offices, and emergency shelters—fast, low-cost, and with minimal carbon footprint.

In just two decades, 3D printing has moved from an experimental concept to a transformational tool for addressing the housing crisis and promoting sustainable development. Now it's arriving in Portugal—and you can be part of this transformation.

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