Saint-Gobain Weber Beamix, a company known for its use of concrete 3D printing in the construction industry as well as numerous projects in the Netherlands, has added one more string to its bow: staircases engineered with parametric design.
If you are not familiar with this design method, please note that the process highlights features (such as building elements and engineering components) that are shaped according to algorithmic processes, in contrast to being designed directly. This would mean that parameters and rules determine the relationship between design intent and design response.
In this specific case, the ability to 3D print stairs engineered with parametric design would be another added value to the existing benefits of construction 3D printing.
According to Marijn Bruurs, Consultant Digital Construction & 3D Concrete Printing at Witteveen+Bos, the combination of parametric design and 3D printing could save over 50% on CO2 emissions, reduce waste, cutting delivery times by over 8 weeks while using less of much needed manpower.
The Dutch engineering bureau has worked with Saint-Gobain Weber Beamix to design and develop the concept that can be tailored to each company’s needs. Saint-Gobain Weber Beamix explains that no reinforcement is needed for the application – thus the application requires less material and there is no need to affect a slope or dike.
This means that customers have the option of designing the staircases themselves on Weber Beamix’s website, or sending the company dimensions and/or a drawing via email. In addition, the products are about 30% cheaper than a regular prefab staircase.
I believe this new application will quickly gain momentum in the construction industry – just as we saw bridges became trending. Moreover, with parametric design, the application complies with the current sustainability requirements and provides the ability to directly fit into the landscape.
“The staircases are already installed in many projects inside and outside The Netherlands. Besides taking direct orders we also provide tender specifications for implementing these sustainable stairs in large projects”, Bruurs concludes.
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