Development of a Generative Design System for 3D-Printed Houses in Chile

Abstract

Three dimensional-printing construction is an emerging technology with significant potential for faster building execution and more precise, controllable designs. This technology utilizes material deposition managed by computer data, enabling additive construction of shapes. This research aims to develop a generative design system for 3D-printed houses in Chile, addressing the country’s growing demand for housing across diverse geographical locations and social groups, also present in other parts of the world. The development process involves synthesizing the external form features of existing Chilean houses and analyzing prototypes of 3D-printed houses worldwide to establish a set of geometric characteristics suitable for 3D-printed homes in Chile. A procedure is then outlined to create design alternatives using parametric programming on a BIM platform, followed by toolpath development for printing the building components. Various models are generated to demonstrate housing shapes’ versatility and adaptability to Chilean contexts and 3D-printed construction methods. Finally, a detailed design is created and printed to construct a housing prototype, testing the entire digital workflow. This experience highlights the variety of 3D-printed housing shapes that can be developed while assessing their feasibility for the Chilean context. This research complements the flexible design capabilities of 3D printing construction, resulting in buildings better suited to various locations and occupancy needs.