3D-printed Starbucks? Sure, why not. “3D-printed construction is really taking off throughout the United States…”
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Comments 3
*going full dad mode* maybe they could 3-d print some better coffee, am I right??
I wouldn't say it's "really taking off throughout the United States"
It's still quite niche, requires considerable and specific expertise, machinery and is using an outdated and destructive material.
Building with concrete is a major carbon emitter. Building with wood is a major carbon sink. Europe has been developing Mass-Timber construction, that's the real future of architecture/construction. We (US) have been slowly adapting the practice, but it's not really caught on in an appreciable way.
Not to mention this is just building the primary structure, there's considerable work after the "primary" walls have been printed.
I agree 3D printing is still quite niche. I don't necessarily agree that mass timber is a panacea ... there are a lot off issues with wood, eg. https://www.wri.org/insights/mass-timber-wood-construction-climate-change
Synthetic limestone aggregate concrete in 3D printing buildings has some noticeable benefits. Of course the primary goal should still always be to minimize land use and maximize reuse, regardless of construction material or process. 3D printing so far has minimal ability work with vertically stacked homes.
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