3D-printed concrete buildings? Hong Kong research team hits brick wall in bid to take cutting-edge tech mainstream
- Christian Lange of the University of Hong Kong says his team can produce 3D-printed concrete objects in just minutes, potentially revolutionising building practices
- But pitch has failed to attract interest among property developers and bid for government funding still pending more than a year after application
Architect Christian Lange of the University of Hong Kong has hit a brick wall with his cutting-edge development of 3D-printed concrete, potentially hindering the chance to revolutionise building practices.
The department of architecture associate professor is excited about his newly revamped fabrication lab in a low-ceilinged car park storeroom on campus, featuring two large robots on tracks which swiftly alternate between concrete printing, picking and placing, as well as welding.
After developing a series of 3D-printed terracotta reef structures in clay, a collaborative research mission with marine scientists aimed at restoring coral in Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park in 2020, the lab is now capable of producing concrete objects in a matter of minutes.
But efforts to commercialise the research have stumbled, with Lange and his team failing to attract interest in their pitch among property developers and encountering funding hurdles.
The researchers are still waiting to hear back on their application, submitted in mid-2022, to the government’s Construction Innovation and Technology Fund.
As part of last year’s policy address in October, the chief executive announced money would be allocated in 2024 to more than 400 companies under the fund, which aims to advance the adoption of innovative technology in construction projects.
“I think our pitch was actually good but there was no real outcome, making me wonder if we should have applied for a different grant,” Lange said.
