Construction Innovation & Quality Scholarship 2023 winner

EcoPrint VR

Pioneering Sustainable Future in Construction through Raw Earth 3D Printing Training

Kia ora! I am Don Samarasinghe, a lecturer in Built Environment at Massey University in New Zealand, and a proud Chartered Construction Manager (MCIOB). My academic journey at Massey University's School of Built Environment (SBE) revolves around enriching the construction world through teaching, research, and academic leadership.

My research focuses on construction innovation and built-environment sustainability, and upskilling the construction sector, resulting in five widely recognised journal articles in 2021 and 2022. I secured an external research grant from ConCOVE Project Fund to help upskill Maori construction practitioners. As the leader of the SBE “People” research group, I have initiated three international projects with RMIT, Canberra, Zhejiang, and Southeast universities, securing support from Massey University, New Zealand. As a committed academic citizen, I have served on SBE committees, organised conferences, promoted inclusivity, and advocated for global academic discourse. My initiatives include the organisation of the AUBEA 2023 conference and leadership of community-oriented research projects. I am also dedicated to nurturing Emerging Career Researchers (EmRs) and securing our institution's future. As a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Building (MCIOB), I bridge academia and industry, inviting industry experts for talks and organising practical experiences for students, further solidifying my commitment to academia and societal impact.

Lately, my focus has shifted to exploring 3D printing technology for raw earth construction. It is an exciting field with immense potential to transform the construction industry. As the leader of the SBE "People" research group, I have been instrumental in forging international collaborations and securing support for our projects. I am excited to introduce you to a fascinating research endeavor - EcoPrint VR. With this project, my goal is to pave the way for a sustainable future in the built environment by utilising Virtual Reality (VR) technology for developing a 3D printing with raw earth training application. I am extremely grateful to the CIOB for providing the Construction Innovation and Quality Scholarship, which has made this research project possible.

Why Raw Earth 3D Printing?

You might wonder why this project is so crucial. The answer lies in the urgent need for sustainable construction practices. The building sector, while driving global economic growth, also contributes significantly to carbon emissions. In 2018, buildings' emissions rose by 2%, releasing a staggering 9.7 gigatons of carbon dioxide. These emissions result from increased energy demands, expanding floor areas, and population growth. Materials like steel and concrete, widely used in construction, are major contributors to these emissions, accounting for over 50% of the industry's carbon footprint in New Zealand.

The Potential of Raw Earth Construction

 Raw earth construction, particularly when combined with 3D printing technology, offers a sustainable, eco-friendly alternative. Earth-based materials are abundant, recyclable, and have excellent thermal insulation properties, promoting energy-efficient buildings. But here's the catch - many in the construction industry remain unaware of the benefits and viability of this innovative approach.

The EcoPrint VR Solution

The EcoPrint VR solution is designed to bridge the knowledge gap in the field. This project consists of four primary objectives. Firstly, I will conduct an in-depth investigation into current resources for 3D-printed earth buildings to establish a solid foundation. Secondly, I aim to craft EcoPrint VR, an advanced virtual reality tool, to promote 3D printing in raw earth construction. Thirdly, I am dedicated to assessing the effectiveness of EcoPrint VR among construction professionals, ensuring that it serves its purpose optimally. Lastly, my journey will culminate in the publication of a journal article that shares my insights, findings, and knowledge with the broader academic and professional community. As I embark on this project, my commitment is to reshape the future of construction, reduce carbon footprints, and foster sustainable practices. Stay tuned for updates and insights from my journey!