Two whizz kids invent machine to build houses
MAY REDUCE BUILDING COSTS
AFTER four years of engineering studies at the University of Johannesburg, two civil engineering graduates, Refilwe Lediga and Christaphor Berry, chose to venture into business instead of looking for jobs.
Lediga is studying towards a masters degree in civil engineering and has partnered Berry in an innova-- tive business in construction called Print-Crete Technologies.
The two have invented a house building machine. The machine can construct walls from scratch, all the way up to the roof. Aimed at reducing construction costs, time and human errors, the machine can build 10 RDP houses in just one day, they claim.
The two, who met at varsity, came up with the idea in their final year when they were contemplating whether or not to join the workplace or become entrepreneurs.
The two took time off their busy schedule to explain in
simple terms how their machine works. They said the concept works with 3D printing technology. Walls are constructed when the machine is directed to form structures through robotic arms.
“The key components are a concrete pump, cement extruder, software and a computerised gantry system, ” Lediga said.
“This technology reduces construc- tion costs by about 50%,” he said.
“We are in talks with bodies such as the NHBRC (National Home Builders Registration Council) and this will help with the certification of innovative and non-standardised construction processes and methods,” said Berry.
They are also talking to the government as well as the private sector for partnerships.
The two are not worried that their invention will adversely affect job opportunities. Their major goal is not only to revolutionise