G+3 Apartment Complex Block

G+3 apartment complex, designed and engineered by CyBe. G+7 apartment complex is engineered and confidential.

CyBe Construction’s 3D affordable housing concept redefines construction, spatial interventions and will make a change in Mumbai.

CyBe Construction, one of the world-leading companies in 3D concrete printing, has been in continuous development. Since 2013, CyBe Construction has been developing 3D printers and applying this technology to redefine the construction industry.

The G+3 apartment complex project combines affordable housing concepts with high-tech construction solutions to help bring big changes to the way Mumbai lives.

Mumbai has inspired CyBe Construction and made a big impression on the company. The current urbanisation boom leads to the growth of slums and therefore to the strong need for development strategies to improve these conditions. The company’s 3D affordable housing concepts seek to redefine construction, spatial interventions and make a change!

After the company’s visit to Mumbai in February 2019, it moved onto the next step providing a solution for the

urbanization boom together with its partner Shapoorji Pallonji.

In July 2019, CyBe Construction finalised the design of a G+3 apartment complex. At the same time, it was busy manufacturing the 3D concrete printer to be used within this project, which was scheduled to be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2019.

G+7 apartment complex block

Based on the elaborated G+3 design and plans for an apartment complex in India, the opportunity to scale up emerged. By making the walls load bearing, printing the floors and increasing the number of floors, CyBe Construction was also able to build a G+7 apartment complex block. This was more efficient and therefore economically more feasible. PROJECT DATA

Project Name: G+3 apartment complex block Location: Mumbai, India Type: Residential Developer & Partner: Shapoorji Pallonji Design & Engineering: CyBe Construction 3D Printer Specialist: CyBe Construction Completion: 2019 Photos: © CyBe Construction

Interview with Pleun Zant, PR & Communication Manager, CyBe Construction

SEAB: Give us a brief overview of the G+3 apartment complex.

PLEUN: At the request of our partner, Shapoorji Pallonji, we designed and engineered an apartment complex. Based on the elaborated G+3 design and plans for an apartment complex in India, the opportunity to scale up emerges. By making the walls load-bearing, printing the floors, and increasing the number of floors, we are also able to build a G+7. This was more efficient and therefore economically more feasible.

SEAB: Compared to conventional construction, what advantages did 3D printing technology offer to this project?

PLEUN: The most important advantage of 3D concrete printing is that it is possible to print faster, cheaper, and more sustainable compared to traditional construction. We have learned that the main value is that the market is focusing on cost reduction. As a result, we make many cost comparison which needs to conclude that 3Dcp is faster and more affordable compared with conventional construction methodologies. Furthermore, of course, sustainability and durability are relevant topics that are addressed by 3Dcp. Finally, a reduction of CO2 emission is being achieved as well - of around 32 percent.

SEAB: What were some of the issues and limitations that you faced when using 3D printing technology for this project?

PLEUN: In every country, you need to face other building regulations, at the same time, in every country, other criteria are important (for example, earthquakes resistance, etc.)

SEAB: How closely did you work with the 3D concrete printer specialist to realise this project?

PLEUN: We are a one-stop-shop, we offer Design & Engineering, our own (printable) material, software, and an online learning platform. The 3D concrete specialists are our own teams.

SEAB: In your opinion, what kind of future do you see for 3D-printed buildings?

PLEUN: Many countries or cities have already set goals for 3D printing, for example, Dubai, with their goal to 3D print 25 percent of new buildings. We believe these kinds of projects and goals will increase over the years even more. As well as because there is a future in it, especially given future developments and trends in the construction industry -

Pleun Zant

the entire infrastructure for 3D printing needs to be mapped out, materials production, designing of buildings, training and education, manufacturing machinery standards regulations - there are many opportunities as a result - and we are pleased that CyBe has been the driving force behind this since 2012, from which various other initiatives have now developed. In addition, 3Dcp and construction automation helps with problems such as housing shortages, skilled labour shortages and resource shortages.