“Kakatoosoyiists” or Star Lodges. Exploring the Potential of Concrete 3D Printing for Housing Construction on Indigenous Reserves
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This research examines the role of Concrete 3D Printing (C3DP) in meeting the escalating housing demands on Indigenous Reserves in Canada. As a proof of concept, the thesis delves into the development of culturally appropriate on-reserve housing, with a focus on the design, construction using C3DP and evaluation of the "Kakatoosoyiists”, or Star Lodges project located in the Siksika Nation of Alberta, Canada. As the first 3D printed project in the province and the largest of its kind in Canada, the Star Lodges are comprised of 16 transitional homes aimed at providing temporary housing options to community members during emergencies. These homes were designed by the author and the supervisor under the guidance of Blackfoot Elders and Knowledge and built in partnership with Siksika Housing and Nidus 3d, a company specializing in C3DP technology. The project aimed to strategically leverage the advantages of C3DP to streamline the construction process, enhance durability, reduce maintenance costs, and improve the energy performance of the homes. This approach also offered the opportunity of design flexibility, democratizing the design and construction process, and addressing the longstanding housing crisis that has persistently affected Indigenous reserves for generations.