Beyond Cement: Rethinking Materials in Additive Construction

Stephan Mansour, an expert in additive construction, advocates for moving beyond cement-based materials in 3D printed buildings to explore local, sustainable alternatives like geopolymers and wood composites. He emphasizes the importance of considering materials' environmental impact, recyclability, and regional suitability. Mansour highlights the need for regulatory frameworks to evolve to accommodate new materials and construction methods. Additive construction offers flexibility in design and material choices, with examples like wood-based homes in Maine and clay-based housing in Colombia. Collaboration between startups and established construction companies can drive innovation and scalability in sustainable building solutions.