Curaçao is a lesser Antilles island country in the southern Caribbean Sea and the Dutch Caribbean region, about 65 km (40 mi) north of the Venezuelan coast. In this part of the planet that belongs to the Netherlands, there is also a housing shortage due to the growing population.
As 3D printing has proven to be a solution to part of this issue, Betonindustrie Brievengat (BIB) and construction 3D printing company CyBe Construction have decided to explore the technology within the country as part of a partnership.
Betonindustrie Brievengat (BIB) has over 80 years of experience in the market of concrete products. It serves both consumers and contractors BIB in Curacao and is part of the Janssen de Jong Group.
As part of this partnership, BIH has purchased a CyBe Construction 3D printer. The CyBe team will train three operators from BIB during a 10-day on-site training. During this period, they will 3D print two buildings that will serve as office space and café in Willemstad.
“With the arrival of this 3D concrete printer, we want to be a leader in the field of construction innovation in the Caribbean and make affordable and modern living possible for the population,” said Kurt Verbist, Cluster Director Janssen de Jong Curaçao & Bonaire.
To this end, both companies have come up with a balanced business case with which 3D concrete printing is competitive in terms of both time and price compared to traditional local construction. This has been achieved by the various designs that CyBe offers and the diversity in 3D concrete printing systems. An additional benefit is the speed and freedom of design made possible by 3D concrete printing. CyBe has responded to this by developing the Lyve by CyBe design label. Various printable building designs have been created which are easy to integrate per area. As the slogan of BiB says; Always One Step Ahead.
“Lyve by CyBe” design label
In addition to the housing shortage, there is currently a shortage of raw materials and labour. In light of these problems, a different approach to the way construction is organized and works are crucial. This means a holistic approach, which fits within CyBe’s vision and construction approach. “It is increasingly difficult to build affordably, thanks to 3D concrete printing in combination with the Lyve by CyBe housing design we can solve this problem. As an experienced knowledge leader and technology provider with 3D concrete printers in every continent, we were able to add BiB as a solid and progressive partner for the Caribbean,” said Berry Hendriks, CEO & Founder CyBe Construction.
By receiving the first 3D printer to Curacao and surrounding islands in the Caribbean, the first two buildings from the Lyve by CyBe design label will be printed. The patio will serve as office space and the robust villa as a café. Angelo Bonevacia, General Manager BIB, is enthusiastic about the first houses: “With this innovative solution we want to serve a new segment in the market. As our slogan says: ‘Always One Step Ahead'”.
Currently, the third building is being designed by CyBe, which will also serve as a unique office space. Further developments between BiB and CyBe will soon lead to more designs and buildings from the Lyve by CyBe design label.
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