First 3D Printed House Built in Almaty, Kazakhstan to Withstand Earthquakes of Magnitude 7 on Richter Scale
18 June 2024: BM Partners completed Central Asia’s first 3D printed house in Almaty, Kazakhstan, meeting strict seismic regulations. Using extra-strong concrete, normally used for highly loaded structures such as skyscrapers and bridges, and other seismic precautions, the house is designed to withstand earthquakes of magnitude 7 on Richter scale.
The entire building, with a floor area of 100 m2 (1,076 sq. ft.), was constructed in less than two months, with the walls printed in just five days. To cope with the extreme temperature variations in Kazakhstan, the building also contains expanded polystyrene concrete for insulation.
The building is located in Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city, categorised as a high-risk zone for severe seismic activity according to the Richter scale. It has been constructed to withstand a magnitude 7 earthquake, reflecting rigorous adherence to engineering principles and building codes designed to ensure safety and structural integrity during significant seismic events.
The entire project was completed in less than two months, from the initial installation of the printer to the finalisation of the interior and furnishings. Remarkably, walls were 3D printed in just five days, with an additional two days spent installing a seismic beam belt in accordance with local building codes. The reinforced concrete envelope, which surrounds the entire structure, is essential for improving the structural integrity of homes in earthquake-prone areas. The girder belt creates the distinctive top of the building.
Marat Oshakhtiev, CEO of BM Partners said “Embracing modern technologies is essential in today’s world. Our company is committed to staying at the forefront of technological advances with 3D printed construction in our country. With this Project, our company has taken a firm step into the future by addressing Kazakhstan’s urgent need for modern, efficient and earthquake-resistant housing solutions”.
Considering the extreme climatic conditions in Kazakhstan, which range from minus 57 to plus 49 degrees Celsius (minus 135 to plus 120 degrees Fahrenheit), the building incorporates expanded polystyrene concrete as wall insulation, improving both the thermal and acoustic performance of the wall.
