CANBE
Canadian Alliance for Natural Building Engineering
CANBE, the Canadian Alliance for Natural Building Engineering, is a dynamic nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the appropriate use of natural materials and technologies in construction through research, consulting, and public engagement.
Regionally appropriate materials
CANBE members are experienced consulting engineers and design professionals specializing in natural building materials and technologies. They offer the expertise necessary to design sustainable and regionally appropriate structures that benefit both people and planet.
Extrusion with Fiber Combinations
3D printing hempcrete - can we print it?
It's difficult. Especially is we want to print a true hempcrete with the hygro-thermal properties that make out indoor air environments healthy. Materials like hempcrete (hemp and lime) will become more interesting as we begin to understand the benefits of vapour-open wall assemblies that are highly insulative.
Hempcrete extrusions for Canadian Climates
We've developed a hempcrete extrusion for 3D construction printing (3DCP) . Much more coming in 2025.
Extrusion & Technology Development
Alternative Material Characterization for 3D Printing
Every building site is built on "earth". A majority of that earth can be characterized and stabilized for printing into suitable wall assemblies for that location. What is local to you? What extrusions can be developed from the resources around you? We can help.
Stabilized earth
The world of stabilized earth and earthen building is as old as the need for dwellings. We are in the process of securing funding to set up a methodology and framework to characterize and enhance local materials (like on site clay, recycled cellulose, agricultural waste, and more) to achieve structural extrusions with sophisticated thermal properties. As with all projects, we consider protection and regeneration of the environment a major factor, as we develop accessible options for food and living security.
Design & Technical Writing & Analysis
Prototypes & Design
We can help you with design concepts and rendering, incorporating our experience with alternative materials in northern climate construction.
Technical writing, proposals, and analysis.
We can help evaluate material use in construction, as well as provide write ups and recommendations for practical use that would exceed code requirements.
We are in the process of applying our knowledge and experience to WUFI hydrothermal modelling and analysis software, and will soon be offering services.
Construction, Printing full size structures & Partnerships
3D printed homes
We hope to have some exciting news for 2024! If you are looking for a full scale construction build with alternative materials let us know and we can put together the concept and project.
Partner: Strongprint 3D
- StrongPrint3D offers mobile 3D construction printing in concrete, as well as in experimental materials such as geopolymer.
- Working on hempcrete extrusions and extruder development in collaboration with 3DSpace Terraform.
- Intrepid Printer, 20 to 30-foot printing length, with a width of 16′ and a 1.5-story height envelope.
Collaborations
Technology development for Construction 3D Printing in Canada
We have strong collaborative relationships with like-minded groups in Alberta and Canada. We are actively working towards the next stages of funding. Some of our collaborators include: University of Alberta SMART Lab, Red Deer Polytechnic's Center for Innovation in Manufacturing, and various natural building groups.
We are happy to collaborate!