Affordable housing with 3D construction printing – build faster and cheaper

In a nutshell – this is what you can expect in this blog post:

• 3D construction printing reduces construction costs through automation and efficient processes.

• Successful projects such as the multi family home in Lünen and DREIHAUS offer affordable housing solutions.

• Digital construction processes save time, personnel and materials – without loss of quality.

Why is affordable housing so difficult to build?

The housing market in Germany is strained: High construction costs (average €3,500/m²), a shortage of skilled workers, high interest rates, and lengthy approval processes are severely slowing housing construction. The former German government significantly missed its target of 400,000 new apartments per year.

The result: There is a lack of affordable housing, especially in cities, and there is a great need for more efficient and cost-effective construction methods.

How does 3D printing help build more cost-effectively?

3D construction printing replaces laborious manual work with automated processes – compared to traditional construction methods, this saves time, personnel and materials.

Advantages at a glance:

• Less personnel required on site, usually only two employees required

• Significantly shorter construction times, with DREIHAUS for example up to 30% faster

• Reduced material consumption

• Reduced susceptibility to errors through digital control

  
  

Example Lünen: Residential building with 6 €/m² rent

A concrete project demonstrates the potential of 3D printing in affordable housing:

• In Lünen (NRW), a three-story apartment building with 6 residential units was printed.

• Thanks to public funding and 3D printing, living space was created that is now offered for only €6/m² rent – with high quality.

• The construction time was only a few months.

This shows that affordable housing using 3D printing is already possible today.

DREIHAUS – Affordable housing with 3D construction printing

DREIHAUS is a modular multi-family housing concept specifically developed for 3D printing. Based on over 17 completed projects, it offers:

• Ready-to-move-in gross construction costs from 2,900 €/m²

• This makes it up to 10% cheaper than conventional construction methods

• 30% faster completion time and thus earlier rental income

• Optimized geometry for material savings

• Scalable modules for different living needs

  
  

DREIHAUS combines cost-effectiveness, speed and sustainability.

Ongoing developments further reduce costs

With DREIHAUS, affordable housing can be printed today, even without subsidies. However, the construction method itself is also being continuously developed to further reduce construction costs. This results in further factors:

• Printing processes become more efficient

• Teams gain valuable experience and optimize their processes

• Material prices may fall due to higher volumes

• Technological advances shorten printing times

  
  

While traditional construction costs are rising, 3D concrete printing offers a scalable solution with a decreasing learning curve.

Conclusion: 3D concrete printing as an answer to the lack of affordable housing

3D concrete printing is no longer a futuristic concept, but a real lever against rising construction costs and the housing shortage. 3D printing can already fully exploit its strengths, especially in the area of affordable housing and social housing, where there is a massive need.

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Frequently asked questions about 3D concrete printing in residential construction

How does 3D concrete printing help reduce construction costs?

With 3D concrete printing, hard, physical work such as bricklaying or formwork is replaced by automation. Digital processes minimize material waste and reduce construction times, thus saving costs. Furthermore, fewer skilled workers are required, which remains an important factor in times of critical skills shortages in the construction industry.

What kind of buildings can be built using 3D concrete printing?

Residential buildings, modular multi-family homes, prefabricated walls, and commercial buildings are all possible. We see the greatest potential in the construction of multi-family homes, such as the DREIHAUS, which is optimized for 3D printing.

Are there examples of affordable housing through 3D printing?

Yes, for example, the apartment building in Lünen with a cold rent of €6/m² and the modular DREIHAUS system with construction costs starting at €2,900/m². What does the future of 3D concrete printing look like? With increasing experience, technological advances, and increasing standardization, construction costs will continue to decrease and the printing process will become even more efficient.

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Create affordable housing efficiently now

With the complete solution from PERI 3D Construction, construction companies rely on innovative 3D concrete printing technology that reduces construction costs and shortens construction times. We provide practical support – from training your team to technical consulting and customized planning. Feel free to contact us!