Using the Crane WASP, which is a large-format 3D printer that uses natural resources such as dirt and agricultural waste instead of concrete to print structures directly onto difficult terrains or in remote locations where large, stationary machines cannot operate, the UNDP will 3D print homes using local materials.

Source: WASP

The UNDP suggests that this technology will help to address Colombia’s housing shortages — particularly in rural regions like forests, deserts and mountains.

The Crane WASP is a modular collaborative 3D printing system that features a main printer unit, which can be combined in assorted ways according to the printing area as well as the dimensions of the architectural structure that needs to be computed in 3D. According to its developers, the single module has a print area of 8.2 m in diameter by 3 m in height.

Further, the single module operates independently and is capable of printing assorted materials like cement, bio-cement or natural dough. The system can reportedly be expanded with the addition of traverses and printer arms, which helps to create a so-called digital manufacturing system.

To see the Crane WASP print a house using local materials, watch the accompanying video that appears courtesy of WASP.