b'BUILDING THE FUTURE LAYER BY LAYERGardon Construction Ltd. brings 3D construction printing to ManitobaBy Matthew BradfordGardon Construction Ltd. is exploring afrom the ground up using specializedTwo years later, Gardon Construction new dimension in project development.robotic printers that extrude materialis looking to take the next step in 3D In 2023, the Winnipeg-based firm(e.g., concrete mortars) layer by layer,construction with a technology that Jeff announced a partnership witheffectively printing a physical structureOlafson, CEO of operations with the NeoADMC 3D and Alquist 3D to becomebased on a digital model. company, says is a fitting demonstration the citys first provider of additiveThe concept of 3D printing has existedof the companys innovative and construction (aka 3D printing) services. eco-forward spirit: Gardons decision for nearly a century. In the early 1930s,to venture into additive construction Through this alliance, we anticipatethe worlds first 3D-printed concreteand 3D concrete printing stems from the collective combination ofbuilding was poured in Valparaiso,a strategic vision to lead in cutting-knowledge and creativity will bringInd., U.S.A., creating an early (andedge construction methodologies that us to the forefront of 3D concreterudimentary) proof of concept for thisfully adapt to the use of an immersed printing technology in the residential,process. Over the decades, furtherconstruction digitizationcommercial and institutional space,advancements in robotics, digital design,business model.the company announced. Our goalautomation and materials have madeOlafson says the endeavour also aligns is to unleash the full potential of thisthe process faster, more accurate andwith the firms commitment to pursuing revolutionary approach to creatingmore effective for larger-scale projects.innovation, reducing its environmental structures and components that are notIn 2022, for example, Canadas firstimpact and carbon construction only structurally sound but also 3D-printed home took shape in Windsor,footprint, and maintaining a competitive visually stunning. Ont., when Habitat for Humanityedge in the construction 4.0 industry LAYERED INNOVATION Windsor-Essex partnered with themarketplace. We see a lot of potential Additive constructionknown, inUniversity of Windsor and a group offor this technology, he continues. It this case, as 3D concrete printingis3D building innovators to research andprovides a number of efficiencies over the process of building structuresdevelop a four-plex for residential use. traditional methods, including reduced Issue 2 | Summer Edition | 2024 BUILD MANITOBA 41'