WATG Urban Architecture Studio designs the world's first freeform 3D-printed house

The worldwide challenge, commissioned by US-based Branch Technology, challenged participants to design a 600-800 square-foot (about 55-75 sq meter) "single-family home that rethinks traditional aesthetics, ergonomics, construction, building systems, and structure from the bottom up."

Curve Appeal appeals to judges

The winner, announced last week, is Chicago-based architectural firm WATG (Wimberly, Allison, Tong and Goo) with their design "Curve Appeal". The project consists of curving interior and an exterior "cores" which form the roof and parts of the facade. The interior protects the inhabitants from the outside elements, but still allows light to fill the space in order to create an organic, harmonious relationship with the environment. The exterior consists of "simple yet careful calculated archways" that blend in with the surrounding site, WATG explains. The structure will be produced using 3D-printed plastic and carbon-fiber panels wrapped around glass panels.

How to build a (3D-printed) house

Competition founder Branch will itself provide the printed material, a unique mix of plastic and carbon fiber. WATG's design will be broken down into smaller components for the printing process, then aggregated together to form the overall structure. To provide strength and resistance, spray foam and concrete will be added, as well as the glass wall panels and furnishings. WATG was required to take lighting, plumbing and electricity into consideration when conceiving their design.

The production of components for "Curve Appeal" is expected to start in 2017.