That is extremely cool.
Ok, as soon as one of you guys figures out how to modify the Makebot 3D printer to do this stuff the me know! 
But seriously, can you imagine the day when you could possibly go from Google Sketchup, to moving in, within a single day!?!??
really cool to see this 3d plotting used for something big.
just add some self healing concrete! http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100524143421.htm
It wouldn't be very strong though. You need to get some rebar in there. I find container-based modular structures more interesting.
Cool magazine, failboat, thanks.
GameboyRMH wrote: It wouldn't be very strong though. You need to get some rebar in there. I find container-based modular structures more interesting.
I've read about steel fiber and polymer impregnated concrete. I should think you could build a house sized structure with them without any need for rebar.
I envision prefabricated houses gaining some respect and market share as they look less and less like trailers. Surely it has to be more efficient to build a house in a warehouse than on-site, where construction can be isolated from weather conditions.
^Same here, especially with our land costs.
MG Bryan wrote:GameboyRMH wrote: It wouldn't be very strong though. You need to get some rebar in there. I find container-based modular structures more interesting.I've read about steel fiber and polymer impregnated concrete. I should think you could build a house sized structure with them without any need for rebar.
Also, If looking at things like disaster relief, It should last long enough.
neon4891 wrote:MG Bryan wrote:Also, If looking at things like disaster relief, It should last long enough.GameboyRMH wrote: It wouldn't be very strong though. You need to get some rebar in there. I find container-based modular structures more interesting.I've read about steel fiber and polymer impregnated concrete. I should think you could build a house sized structure with them without any need for rebar.
Yeah, probably, but wouldn't you rather have a tent collapse on you?
The Japanese have used lightweight building materials for a long time due to earthquakes. It's only in the last 100 years or so that concrete and building techniques have progressed to the point that buildings made with them have a chance of surviving an earthquake.
I think it's the Transamerica Pyramid? that's on giant cushions and ball bearings to allow it to be 'decoupled' from the ground in an earthquake.
My house has probably 50 pieces of rebar inthe whole foundation. We have 1/2" steel cables running throughout the foundation that were tensioned to over 7500psi once the concrete hardened.
Reading the article, they were talking about other robotic armatures that would insert wiring, metal structural supports, etc. as the home was "made". The steel/polymer inpregnated concrete is super strong also. Check this out...
http://www.pensmore.com/
As for prefab homes, check out http://www.discoverycustomhomes.com/. My buddy in Austin is a builder for them. They're not your ordinary modular home. We strongly considered this option before building our home.
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