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In a groundbreaking development poised to redefine the construction industry, the Siksika Nation of Alberta, a proud nation of over 8000 members located an hour east of Calgary, made an announcement that may revolutionize the construction industry and how we look at housing construction in the province and beyond. The Siksika Nation, which has a rich cultural heritage and a commitment to addressing critical housing challenges faced by its community members, announced its Kakatoosoyiists project, a collaboration between Nidus3D, the University of Calgary School of Architecture and Planning, and Siksika Housing, the launch of the first-ever 3D concrete printed housing project in Alberta. Situated on the historic lands of the Siksika Nation, the “Kakatoosoyiists” project, meaning Star Lodges, is set to be the largest 3D concrete printed housing initiative in Canada to date. This innovative venture represents a significant step towards sustainable, affordable, and innovative housing solutions for the community and beyond. 3
REVOLUTIONARY 3D PRINTING TECHNOLOGY The Siksika Vision Homes project leverages state-of-the-art 3D concrete printing technology, allowing for the rapid construction of durable, energy-efficient, and cost-effective housing units. This revolutionary approach promises to reshape the construction landscape, offering an efficient and game-changing solution to housing needs. “Over the past few years, digital technologies have made significant strides in architectural design and construction,” says Mauricio Soto Rubio, Architect. “Among these innovations, 3D printing with concrete stands out as a game-changer poised to revolutionize the construction industry while offering promising solutions to address the ongoing housing crisis in Canada.” Ryan Hall, the Housing Manager for the Siksika Nation, recognizes the enormous potential of 3-D printing in shaping the future of housing in Alberta, and points out the project’s accelerated timeline— the Kakatoosoyiists project is set to be completed in just 15 months from conception to completion. GAME-CHANGING OPPORTUNITY “3D concrete printing technology offers a gamechanging opportunity to deliver affordable housing 4
by drastically reducing construction costs and timelines, making housing accessible to more people than ever before,” says Hall. “Moreover, it allows us to customize the design to reflect the uniqueness of our community and its people.” The method is really something to behold, and can be seen in videos posted by the Nation online. It employs a robotic arm hanging from a gantry system to extrude concrete layers, forming the foundation and walls of the house. The printer, utilizing a proprietary concrete mix produced on-site, requires fewer construction steps, resulting in faster construction times, reduced material waste, and smaller crews. Ultimately, these 3-D printed homes cost 30 per cent less than traditional construction, with added benefits such as doubleveneer walls and R40 insulation for lower heating costs. Hall collaborated with students from the University of Calgary’s Master of Architecture program, Eldon Weasel Child, a knowledge keeper, and Bren Little Light to infuse Blackfoot tipi teachings into the design. The result is a set of custom homes that harmoniously blend traditional Blackfoot living with modern efficiency. Designed with sustainability in mind, the homes minimize waste, reduce carbon emissions, and utilize locally-sourced materials. This aligns with both environmental and community values, 5
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ensuring that the construction process is ecologically responsible and contributes positively to the community’s well-being. By optimizing construction processes and materials, Siksika Housing aims to provide affordable housing solutions that meet the diverse needs of the Siksika Nation community. This initiative is a testament to the commitment to fostering a brighter future for all, ensuring that housing is accessible to a wider demographic. INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS “We’re facing a severe housing crisis that impacts both on and off-reserve areas. In response to this pressing challenge, Siksika Nation is actively exploring innovative solutions to address the housing shortage,” says Van Le, Chief Operating Officer. “The 3D project emerges as a promising endeavor capable of providing immediate relief for urgent housing needs. Concurrently, it affords us the essential time to strategize and implement sustainable, long-term housing solutions.” The method employs a robotic arm hanging from a gantry system to extrude concrete layers, forming the foundation and walls of the house. The printer, utilizing a proprietary concrete mix produced on-site, requires fewer construction steps, resulting in faster construction times, reduced material waste, and smaller crews. Ultimately, these 3-D printed homes cost 30% less than traditional construction, with added benefits such as double-veneer walls and R40 insulation for lower heating costs. 7
Ryan Hall, Housing Manager Siksika Nation 8
CULTURAL INTEGRATION The project respects and incorporates the rich heritage and traditions of the Siksika Nation. Customizable design features allow for the integration of cultural elements and personal touches, making each home a unique reflection of its inhabitants. This emphasis on cultural integration adds a meaningful layer to the housing project, fostering a sense of identity and belonging. Beyond providing housing, the Siksika Vision Homes project is committed to empowering the community through job creation, skill development, and capacity building. This reinforces self-sufficiency and resilience, ensuring that the benefits of the project extend beyond housing to positively impact the community as a whole. The Siksika Nation’s Kakatoosoyiists 3D Housing Project represents a transformative initiative that goes beyond constructing homes; it signifies a commitment to sustainability, affordability, cultural integration, and community empowerment. This groundbreaking venture is not only a testament to the innovative spirit of the Siksika Nation but also a model for addressing housing challenges in indigenous communities and beyond. As the project unfolds, it holds the promise of not just reshaping the physical landscape but also forging a brighter and more sustainable future for all members of the community. For more information, please visit www.siksikanation.com Advantages of 3-D Printing Homes • Environmentally friendly construction. • 24-hour construction becomes a reality. • Enhanced insulation for cost savings. • Smaller crews, ideal for rural construction. • Paving the way for a high-tech future in Alberta. • Concrete homes offer longevity and resilience. • Tailored to unique indigenous lifestyles. 9
As seen in BusinessEliteCanada.com www.siksikanation.com
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