3D Printed Technological Village: Shamballa

The first 3D printed technological village is soon to rise, and reason behind this is the 12 meters high printer- BigDelta WASP. This 3D printer was a product of a research project that aims to create sustainable housing production with local materials at low costs. The WASP team is collaborating with the municipality of Massa Lombarda, Italy. The dream village, Shamballa will be set to rise in the industrial sector of the district.

This is the world’s biggest delta-style 3D printer, and this is going to be the one in charge if printing the bulk materials needed for the village.

WASP and Shamballa

It has been one of the primary objectives of the team from the start to build a green area in the industrial sector of the town. Shamballa is an eco-friendly village that promises low energy consumption. This establishment will tag Massa Lombarda on the map as one of the most important technological experimentation that focuses on the 3D printing technology.

The team decided to name the place after a mythological place that represents the city of peace, happiness, and tranquility. The team also mentioned the basic needs in life that are why the village of Shamballa would have not only 3D printed houses but also vegetable gardens with different sizes. Aside from the 3D printed houses, the team will also provide the village with a laboratory for compact desktop printers to create objects such as jewellery, furniture, ceramics and biomedical thanks to a collaboration of individual artists who are into developing cultural arts.

The WASP team are also inviting other makers to take part in this DIY technological village. The team is working non-stop day in and day out while planning sessions are on the weekends. The team wants to share the experience of 3D printing the first house with the 3D printing community. The most groundbreaking event in the history of Italy when it comes creating homes with a different approach and using locally found materials. These materials are a combination of terrain and straw which are both light and sturdy. These materials are kneaded by a mixing machine and a motorised hoe.

The WASP also mentioned that the team are handling different challenges objectively. There were tests done during the previous week, and the results were very positive when it comes to the situation of the habitable module.

The team also are very honest when it comes to the procedures taken. The project comes with the trial and error method and the team mentioned about the Shamballa’s progress strives through the experiences of the team. So far the team has already built the wall and are already bringing in more equipment along with the cooperation of the other makers. The collaboration would bring this self-sufficient village to reality by securing all of these requirements: Food, Housing, Employment, Education, Art, and Healthcare.

Another DeltaWASP printer would arrive any time on the site, and it is called DeltaWASP 3MT. The printer would be able to print out semi-fluid materials such as clay and geopolymers.