3D-Printed House Kazakhstan: A New Era in Building

Architectural Innovation in the Heart of Kazakhstan

This yet-unnamed house, located in Almaty, Kazakhstan, was designed by BM Partners using one of COBOD’s BOD2 models. The project marks the first 3D-printed house in Central Asia, highlighting the rapid advancement of modern construction technologies.

Resistance to Climate and Seismic Conditions

The house stands as a true testament to the adaptability of 3D printing technologies in harsh weather conditions and seismic zones. This design is not merely a technological experiment, but a practical demonstration that 3D-printed construction can be durable and sustainable in the face of environmental challenges.

Speed and Efficiency in Execution

One of the most remarkable aspects of this project is its rapid construction; the house can be printed in just five days. Moreover, building costs using this technology are significantly lower compared to traditional methods, opening new horizons for rethinking conventional construction approaches.

3D Printing Technology in Wall Construction

To print the house walls, the COBOD 3D printer employed a technique of spraying a cement-like mixture in multiple layers through a nozzle, following the conventional 3D architectural printing approach. However, the greatest challenge was ensuring the structural strength in a seismic area like Almaty, which required using an exceptionally strong cement mix.

Resistance to Earthquakes and Weather Conditions

The mixture was designed to withstand harsh weather conditions as well as an earthquake measuring up to 7.0 on the Richter scale. In this context, COBOD explained that BM Partners used a specialized concrete mix with a compressive strength of approximately 60 MPa (8,500 PSI), far exceeding the typical strength of traditional bricks and stones in Kazakhstan, which ranges between 7–10 MPa (1,015–1,450 PSI).

Composition of the Mixture and Regional Properties

The mix consists of local cement, sand, and gravel, reinforced with the innovative D.fab material developed by COBOD International and Cemex, allowing the creation of customized concrete to meet regional requirements. Considering Kazakhstan’s extreme temperature fluctuations, ranging from -57°C to +49°C (-70.6°F to +120°F), the walls were equipped with expanded polystyrene concrete as insulation to enhance the building’s thermal and acoustic performance.

Completion of the Construction Process

After spraying the cement mixture and building the walls, workers add doors, windows, and furniture inside the house. Thanks to the coordination between manual and mechanical printing, the entire process, from printer setup to the installation of final fixtures, takes approximately two months.

Practical and Flexible Interior Design

The house features an interior space of 100 square meters distributed across a single floor, with a simple and straightforward layout. Large windows and a spacious living room provide a comfortable living experience, while the minimalist design reflects the potential of 3D construction to create functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces simultaneously.

Economic Efficiency

From an economic perspective, the house currently costs around USD 21,800, making it significantly more affordable compared to traditional local houses. This reinforces the idea that 3D printing is not just a technological innovation, but also a practical, cost-effective, and sustainable solution in modern construction.

✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight

This project demonstrates the ability of 3D printing technologies to provide innovative, fast-construction solutions, while offering lower costs compared to traditional methods. It also delivers a practical and comfortable design that considers climatic conditions and seismic activity. At the same time, the project may raise questions regarding its full reliance on modern technology and the need for specialized expertise to ensure quality execution and future maintenance. Additionally, the level of acceptance of this type of housing in local markets and its alignment with social needs remain influential factors for the project’s broader success.