This is how to think about 3D-printed buildings and climate change

Printed structures are springing up like mushrooms

An award-winning garden with a 3D-printed arch at its heart. Photo by Killik & Co / Landford Consultants.

The mortar-extruding nozzle was hard at work – mesmerising landscape designer Baz Grainger. Slinking, snake-like coils of a thick, concrete-like mixture oozed forth, row upon row, at a thrilling pace. “Wow,” he thought as ideas began to form in his mind. He knew where he wanted to bring the tech – to the world’s most famous flower show: Chelsea.

Months later, it was a reality. Grainger, of Landform Consultants, and colleagues constructed a huge, 3D-printed arch that took centre stage in the Killik & Co “Save for a Rainy Day Garden” – which went on to win a gold medal during last month’s show in London.

The garden, featuring permeable paths, was designed to be resilient to both flood and drought. Its rain-collecting, flesh-coloured arch was not made from concrete but rather a mortar that emits roughly a third less carbon dioxide than Portland cement.

Grainger is a 3D-printing convert. “We are way behind the curve in this country,” he asserts. “Structural engineers don’t know what to do with it, local government doesn’t know what to do with it.” But other countries have embraced 3D-printing with gusto, he argues.