At the University of Windsor, a student residence is currently being built that is not constructed conventionally, but produced layer by layer using 3D concrete printing. On the campus property on California Avenue, a multi-storey, net-zero-energy building is being constructed that, according to the university, is intended to serve as a pilot project for Canadian housing.
“This project shows what’s possible when government, academia and industry work together with purpose,” said Dr. J.J. McMurtry, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Windsor. “With support from FedDev Ontario and our incredible partners, we are demonstrating how 3D printing can make homebuilding faster, more affordable and more sustainable.”
“The University of Windsor is redefining affordability and sustainability in construction through Canada’s first on-site printed multi-storey student residence,” he said. “With hands-on training and strong partnerships, this project is a true example of how innovation and collaboration can drive change.”
Technically, the building is based on a large-format concrete printing system from Printerra Inc., which extrudes a cement-based mixture along predefined paths on the construction site. The exterior and interior walls are built up layer by layer, with openings for windows, doors and installations being taken into account directly in the printing process. Once completed, the building will provide seven residential units for students and at the same time serve as a measurement and test platform to investigate load transfer, cracking, thermal insulation and operational efficiency of 3D-printed structures under real conditions.
“Our contribution to the University of Windsor is a strategic investment in the future health of our communities,” said Billy Boucher, CEO of Desjardins Ontario Credit Union. “This bold initiative exemplifies the potential of sustainable construction, and we’re proud to support such forward-thinking innovation through our Community Development Fund.”
The project is led by Prof. Sreekanta Das and his team in the Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Students and researchers are using the construction site as a testbed to trial new design and execution approaches – from parameterizing the geometry and characterizing material properties to questions of circular economy.
“We’re thrilled to be the innovation partner on this visionary project,” added Leigh Newman, CEO of Printerra Inc. “This milestone reflects Printerra’s leadership in advancing additive construction and providing a platform that enables its wider adoption.”
The construction is being financed in part by two million Canadian dollars from the FedDev Ontario development agency. In addition, Desjardins Ontario Credit Union is supporting the project with 250,000 dollars from a fund for sustainable projects. Minister Evan Solomon sees it as an example of how additive construction methods can contribute to greater affordability and efficiency in housing. For the University of Windsor, the building is also a building block for anchoring 3D-printed buildings in standards, approval practice and education and thus preparing the use of the process beyond the campus.
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