News: Chinese materials firm Yingchuang New Materials has reportedly produced 10 3D-printed buildings in 24 hours, using a custom-built machine that outputs layers of construction waste mixed with cement (+ slideshow).

According to a report from Chinese television company CNC World, the Suzhou-based company spent 20 million yuan (£2 million) and 12 years developing its specialised additive manufacturing device, which can be used to 3D print self-supporting architectural structures.

The company demonstrated the technology earlier this month by producing 10 stand-alone houses in the space of a day, which will be used as offices at an industrial park in Shanghai.

Each building has 3D-printed walls and structure. The only sections not produced by the printer were the roofs – the company says this won't be possible until the technology becomes more advanced.

The process took place at Yingchuang New Materials's factory, where a 3D-printing assembly line makes use of up to four printers at at a time. This building also features 3D-printed walls.

Company president Ma Yihe hopes that one day 3D printers will be used to build skyscrapers, reusing materials from unwanted buildings.

"With 3D printing in the future we can build good buildings with reliable materials and without waste," he told CNC World. "Waste from the demolished buildings or industrial waste can be used to build structures."

Photographs are courtesy of Yingchuang New Materials.