Comparative Analysis of Onsite Versus Offsite 3D Printing in Construction (2026-01)¶

3D printing has transformed construction by enabling customization, cost and time reduction, and material innovation. A key challenge is choosing between off-site and on-site applications. This paper analyzes four case studies: Casa Semilla, Milestone House, TECLA House, and Apis Cor PIK Project, exploring factors such as material, logistics, printing technology, structural functionality, cost, time, and environmental impact. Casa Semilla in Chile, Latin America’s first fully 3D-printed house, was developed through a university-industry partnership to provide a fast, sustainable housing solution. Milestone House in the Netherlands consists of five 3D-printed concrete homes that use specialized concrete to reduce CO₂ emissions. TECLA House in Italy combines robotic printing with earth-based materials for an eco-friendly housing model. The Apis Cor PIK Project in Russia features a 38 m2 house 3D-printed in 24 h, reducing labor costs, waste, and construction time. This paper also explores how technologies and materials enhance the adaptability of 3D-printed structures. Off-site printing ensures higher quality and large-scale production in a controlled environment, while on-site printing offers real-time customization and reduced transportation costs but faces precision challenges. Additionally, the paper addresses the social and ethical implications, particularly the impact on the labor market. While 3D printing requires specialized skills, it also reduces reliance on traditional labor.