Advancing Interior and Exterior Construction Design Through Large-Scale 3D Printing: A Comprehensive Review

• Author(s): Zamathula Sikhakhane Nwokediegwu ; Adeshola Oladunni Bankole ; Sidney Eronmonsele Okiye
• Paper ID: 1709720
• Page: 422-449
• Published Date: 05-08-2019
• Published In: Iconic Research And Engineering Journals
• Publisher: IRE Journals
• e-ISSN: 2456-8880
• Volume/Issue: Volume 3 Issue 1 July-2019

Abstract

Large-scale 3D printing has emerged as a transformative technology in the construction sector, enabling the creation of complex interior and exterior architectural components with enhanced efficiency, customization, and sustainability. This comprehensive review synthesizes the foundational knowledge available as of 2019, providing one of the earliest state-of-the-art examinations across materials, workflows, and system-level innovations in additive construction. Drawing from interdisciplinary sources, the study explores the evolution of 3D printing technologies applied to full-scale building elements, with emphasis on key developments in extrusion-based systems, binder jetting, and robotic arm fabrication. Special attention is given to printable materials such as cementitious composites, geopolymer blends, and fiber-reinforced mixtures, with discussions on workability, buildability, and structural integrity. The review critically evaluates integrated digital workflows involving computer-aided design (CAD), building information modeling (BIM), and automated toolpath generation, highlighting their role in reducing construction time and material waste. Further, the paper investigates the transition from small-scale prototyping to real-world architectural implementations, noting early pilot projects, regulatory challenges, and the environmental implications of on-site and off-site printing. The interplay between design freedom and structural performance is examined through case studies of walls, façade panels, partitioning systems, and load-bearing components. The review also assesses the socio-economic and labor implications of large-scale 3D printing, proposing future scenarios for its integration into mainstream construction practices. Despite promising advances, limitations in standardization, material behavior, and long-term performance monitoring persist, requiring further research and cross-sector collaboration. By consolidating fragmented early-stage findings, this review establishes a baseline for future scholarly inquiry and industrial innovation in additive manufacturing for construction. It serves as a critical reference for architects, engineers, material scientists, and policymakers seeking to understand the multifaceted impacts of large-scale 3D printing on contemporary building practices. The review underscores the urgent need for performance-driven, sustainable, and adaptive construction strategies in the face of rapid urbanization and environmental challenges.

Keywords

Large-Scale 3D Printing, Additive Construction, Interior Design, Exterior Architecture, Cementitious Materials, Digital Workflows, Structural Performance, Sustainable Building, Construction Automation

Citations

IRE Journals:
Zamathula Sikhakhane Nwokediegwu , Adeshola Oladunni Bankole , Sidney Eronmonsele Okiye "Advancing Interior and Exterior Construction Design Through Large-Scale 3D Printing: A Comprehensive Review" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 3 Issue 1 2019 Page 422-449

IEEE:
Zamathula Sikhakhane Nwokediegwu , Adeshola Oladunni Bankole , Sidney Eronmonsele Okiye "Advancing Interior and Exterior Construction Design Through Large-Scale 3D Printing: A Comprehensive Review" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 3(1)