The Dutch city of Eindhoven is to be the first in the world to have habitable homes made by a 3D printer, in an innovation its backers believe will revolutionise the construction industry. Of the first five new houses to be put on the rental market next year, the smallest, with two bedrooms, has already attracted applications from 20 interested families just a week after images were made available. Known as Project Milestone, the development is said by the Dutch construction company Van Wijnen to offer a solution to a shortage of skilled bricklayers in the Netherlands. The method will also cut costs and environmental damage by reducing the amount of cement that is used. A specially formulated cement is being used in conjunction with a robotic arm to build the homes. The cement is “printed” according to design, adding layer upon layer to create a wall, and increase its strength. With this methodology there is no need for pre-made moulds and each house on the development can be a completely different if so desired. Currently the homes, which are designed to look like boulders (an artists impression of the development is above) are expected to go on sale in 2019.