A 120 m² house can be constructed in 48 hours using 3D-printed concrete, according to a technology developed by Argentina-based startup Grondplek. The method, which reduces material waste and seismic vulnerability, is being tested globally but still requires human labor for finishing touches.
The 3D-printing process begins with a digital design that guides a machine depositing concrete layer by layer. A 11-meter-by-11-meter printer, equipped with a compact mixer and specialized hose, constructs the gray work—walls, stairs, and structural elements—in record time.
Layer by layer at a surprising speed,
said Mateo Salvatto, cofounder of Grondplek, in a podcast. The technology, which uses standard concrete with 2% additives, has already been used to build a Starbucks in Texas and a railway station in Japan.
The machines, described as a factory of portable precast units, can be deployed anywhere with minimal setup. Once leveled, the printer constructs the building’s framework, including seismic-resistant double walls with air gaps.
No la rompes con nada,
Salvatto claimed, emphasizing the durability. The process reduces material waste by only using the necessary concrete, a stark contrast to traditional construction methods.
It’s just concrete, nothing too mystical,
he added, noting that local materials suffice for the mix.
Despite the speed, the gray work accounts for only part of the project. Electrical wiring, plumbing, and interior finishes still require human labor.
Finishing work, machine operation, and supervision require humans,
Salvatto explained. This hybrid model avoids replacing workers but shifts their roles toward precision tasks. A Canadian example, a house in Canada built with a 3D printer in only 11 days, highlights the technology’s scalability, though full completion takes longer than the 48-hour claim suggests.
The 3D Printing Process
Ni construcción en seco ni ladrillo
Salvatto claimed, emphasizing the durability. The process reduces material waste by only using the necessary concrete, a stark contrast to traditional construction methods.
It’s just concrete, nothing too mystical,
he added, noting that local materials suffice for the mix.
According to Grondplek’s specifications, the printer measures approximately 11 meters by 11 meters and 7 meters in height. The system includes a compact mixer connected to a pump and a specialized hose that feeds the printer head. This setup allows the structure to be built layer by layer at a surprising speed.
The printer constructs only the “obra gris,” encompassing structural elements like walls, stairs, and countertops, while finishing work—such as electrical systems, plumbing, and interior details—remains dependent on human labor.
Applications Beyond Housing
Grondplek’s technology extends beyond residential buildings. Salvatto mentioned applications in civil engineering and mining, where portable 3D printers can create structures on-site. A European 3D printer, for instance, constructs a two-story home that is three times more resistant than a house built with preformed concrete blocks.
Imagine a house that could reduce its market cost by 30%, finished in a week,
he said, envisioning rapid, cost-effective housing solutions.
The technology has already been deployed in global projects. In 2025, a Starbucks in Texas was constructed using 3D-printed concrete. That same year, a railway station in Japan was printed in six hours. In the U.S., developments of gated communities with 3D-printed homes are underway. A house in Canada, built with a 3D printer, was completed in 11 days and is available for rent on Airbnb.
Challenges and Limitations
Ni ladrillo ni construcción en seco: la nueva tecnología
While the technology’s potential is clear, challenges remain. The 48-hour timeline applies only to the structural phase, not the entire build. Additionally, the method’s long-term durability and regulatory acceptance are untested in many regions. The European 3D printer, which constructs two-story homes, is noted as the largest 3D printer in Europe, according to sources. However, the technology’s reliance on human oversight for finishing work means it complements rather than replaces traditional methods.
Grondplek’s expansion into industrial projects, alongside global examples like the Texas Starbucks, suggests growing adoption. However, the technology’s reliance on human oversight for finishing work means it complements rather than replaces traditional methods. As the sector evolves, regulators and developers will need to address safety, cost, and integration with existing infrastructure. For now, the 48-hour house remains a glimpse into a future where construction is faster, smarter, and more sustainable.
Son casas de buena calidad, con diseño disruptivo, curva y contracurva para aprovechar mejor el espacio, recontra aislante, ergo con mejor eficiencia energética,” Salvatto stated, highlighting the energy efficiency of 3D-printed homes. The Canadian house, for example, features curved designs that optimize space and provide superior insulation.
Another key aspect is the use of standard materials. Salvatto emphasized that the concrete mix requires no exotic components, with additives like plasticizers and accelerators readily available in local markets. The mix is adjusted based on environmental factors, but no extraordinary requirements are necessary.
The process also involves cutting between layers to allow the material to cure. This step is critical for the chemical hardening of the concrete, ensuring structural integrity. Despite the speed, the technology does not eliminate the need for skilled labor, as human oversight is essential for both machine operation and final finishing.
As the technology gains traction, its impact on the construction industry could be significant. By reducing costs, time, and waste, 3D-printed concrete offers a viable alternative to traditional methods. However, widespread adoption will depend on addressing regulatory hurdles and proving long-term reliability. For now, the 48-hour house remains a testament to the transformative potential of 3D printing in construction.
