ERRE (Ecological Housing Prototype)
- Year
- 2020
- Location
- Québec, QC
In a context marked by climate change and resource limitations, both the discipline of design and the art of building are being reexamined. These questions become even more relevant in light of the breakthroughs brought by the digital revolution.
Today, data flows can reveal environmental conditions, computational models can simulate design projects, and 3D printers can be programmed to manufacture them.
Using digital tools, we developed a prototype for an ecological micro-house made from recycled plastic, 3D-printed and adapted to Quebec’s northern climate.
From Brick to Home: Although the house reads as a unified whole, it is composed of individual bricks made from 3D-printed recycled plastic. These bricks are then assembled to form the floors, walls, and finally the roof—coming together as one cohesive structure.
Process: The curvilinear path traced by the 3D printer reduces printing time while providing maximum strength with minimal plastic use. The gaps between the recycled plastic walls are partially filled with soy-based polyurethane, which molds itself to the cavities to ensure the system’s insulation.
The Multi-Functional Box: A fully prefabricated box is delivered to the site, containing all cabinetry, plumbing, and electrical components. This all-in-one unit integrates essential living functions—bathroom and kitchen—and is inserted into the building envelope before the side door is installed.
Assembled Like a Logo: Another key feature of this project lies in its speed and ease of assembly. Thanks to the 3D construction of the bricks, they only need to be assembled on-site. First, the shell made of plastic bricks is erected; once this outer layer is securely sealed, only the interior finishing remains to be installed.
