3D printed toilet pods are set to transform Welsh railway stations by offering innovative facilities where none existed before.
- The pods are an outcome of the Clean Futures Accelerator programme, showcasing cutting-edge construction technology.
- Developed by ChangeMaker 3D, CyBe, and Baily Garner, these pods promise to revolutionise public amenities, using sustainable materials and methods.
- Each pod incorporates eco-friendly technologies, reducing steel usage by 60% and integrating rainwater harvesting and solar power.
- Ongoing testing at BCIMO aims to refine the construction process, blending traditional methods with 3D printing technology.
Innovative 3D printed toilet pods are poised to be introduced to Welsh railway stations, particularly those without existing facilities. This project is a testament to the potential of advanced construction methodologies to address public amenity needs sustainably. As a winner at the Clean Futures Accelerator programme, led by Connected Places Catapult and several partners, the initiative underscores a shift towards eco-friendly infrastructure solutions.
The collaboration between ChangeMaker 3D, CyBe, and Baily Garner is integral to this project. These companies have engineered pods that are not only convenient but also sustainable. Notably, the pods require 60% less steel compared to traditional constructions of a similar size. This reduction is made possible through the use of 3D printed concrete sections, which are produced and assembled on-site, illustrating a significant advancement in construction practices.
Each toilet pod stands 2.4 metres high and is composed of three separate, 3D printed walls. The first prototype was printed in just 4.5 hours at CyBe’s facility in the Netherlands, showcasing the efficiency of this new technology. The pods also feature integrated systems for rainwater harvesting and solar power generation, aligning with sustainability objectives.
Testing is currently being conducted by ChangeMaker 3D at BCIMO in the Midlands. As explained by Natalie Wadley, CEO and co-founder of ChangeMaker 3D, various aspects of the pod’s construction are under scrutiny. The testing includes experimenting with traditional damp-proofing methods and assessing the interfaces between 3D printing and conventional construction materials. These trials are crucial to ensure the practicality and durability of the pods in real-world applications.
The project also emphasises the necessary intersection between innovative and traditional construction techniques. This dual approach ensures that future infrastructure can seamlessly integrate new technologies without compromising established methods. Through partnerships and ongoing research, the pods’ deployment on the Welsh rail system heralds a new era of public facility development.
The development and testing of 3D printed toilet pods mark a progressive step towards sustainable public infrastructure in Wales.
