Though the UK mandates the presence of restrooms at public train stations, many railway stations in the country still do not offer lavatories. To solve this problem, ChangeMaker 3D came up with the solution of modular, 3D printed Toilet Pods that can be created affordably and sustainably. Their partner, CyBe Construction intends to support CM3D with taking the 3D Toilet Pods out to the UK Rail sector. Leveraging their technology’s capabilities to construct cheaper, faster, and more sustainable options. Embracing this new construction method means an important shift in the rail sector, bringing with it new ways to solve industry challenges.
When Nature Calls
You’ve decided to take the train to your appointment today. You left well in time, so there’s no need to rush. Having arrived at your final station, it’s now only a 5-minute walk to your appointment. With your meeting starting in 15 minutes, there’s just enough time for a quick bathroom break. And there should be one here, since the presence of restrooms at railway stations is very important, right? While this is true, many small train stations in the Country still lack the amenities. The 3D Toilet Pods Project, commissioned by ChangeMaker 3D, aims to provide a sustainable and affordable solution to this issue. It was in fact, first identified in 2022 by Transport for Wales, a ChangeMaker 3D client who recognized that there was an exciting opportunity to be both innovative and sustainable with the development of station welfare, particularly Toilet Pods.
Taking the Challenge
Even though the UK has an active strategy to upgrade and introduce the presence of restrooms at public train stations, there is still a significant number of railway stations in the Country that do not offer lavatories. It was the foresight of Transport for Wales, and its ability to fund the design of a 3D printed Toilet Pod that was the catalyst for solving this challenge enabling 3D concrete printing company from West Midlands [UK] ChangeMaker 3D has come up with a solution. Leveraging their expertise in 3D concrete printing, they’re able to print modular Toilet Pods in a sustainable and affordable manner.
ChangeMaker 3D’s Toilet Pod
Faster, Cheaper, and more Sustainable
Commissioned by ChangeMaker 3D, and funded via the Clean Futures Fund, the Toilet Pods Project is set out to leverage 3D concrete printing technology’s capabilities of building faster, cheaper, and more sustainably. The pods consist of three separate, modular wall elements, all of which can be printed in under 5 hours, emitting 60% less carbon than the steel alternative. The clever design of the walls, made possible by 3DCP’s creative freedom, incorporates nature integration and Solar powered panels on the roof. This design was co-created by ChangeMaker 3D, lead architect delivery partner Baily Garner LLP, and 3D concrete printing partner CyBe Construction. This Dutch technology developer of 3DCP hardware, software, and material for over ten years was contracted by ChangeMaker 3D to print the Toilet Pods. The walls were printed at their facility in the Netherlands with the CyBe RC; a mobile 3D printer on crawler tracks, before being transported to the demonstration location in the UK.
Launch Day
The first model of the modular Toilet Pods was transported to The Black Country Innovative Manufacturing Organisation (BCIMO), a not-for-profit Research and Technology Organisation. The Toilet Pods are being tested at their innovation center, which offers research and insights for the UK Rail sector. The 3D Toilet Pod was showcased at a grand opening during its launch on April 30th. The tested and now publicly unveiled prototype paves the way for many more to come, offering an excellent solution to the lack of public restrooms in the railway sector. This offers a huge shift for the Rail industry, which can embrace the new technology to solve real challenges across the sector. The project was successfully delivered through a truly collaborative endeavor including sponsorship from the VGC Group and Axter, who provided both labor and the roof design and installation.
Printing the prototype at CyBe Construction in the Netherlands
A Future of 3DCP
ChangeMaker 3D’s Toilet Pod project wasn’t the first time they leveraged 3D concrete printing for affordable and sustainable construction, and it certainly won’t be the last. Through their Printfrastructure brand, the sustainable innovators provide future-proof solutions in highways, water, and rail, with eco-friendly, low-carbon 3D construction. Natalie Wadley, co-founder and CEO of ChangeMaker 3D, notes that the experience gained from the printed Toilet Pod is transferable to printing in the infrastructure sector as a whole, as well as other industries. “We’re well on our way now to demonstrate the value the technology can have across UK industries. We want to see that this becomes as commonplace as having a digger or a forklift.” By transforming the infrastructure sector with sustainable 3D concrete printing and making the country ready for the shift to robotics in construction, ChangeMaker 3D plays a vital role in achieving the UK’s Net Zero commitments. And with their continued efforts, the company is making sure the country looks forward to a future of sustainable, efficient, and affordable construction.
Official Launch Day, April 30th. From left to right: Kevin van Moll (COO CyBe Construction), Natalie Wadley (CEO ChangeMaker 3D), Mark Austin (Board Advisor ChangeMaker 3D), Liam Major (Project Engineer Transport for Wales), Dan Bridgewater (Architect).
