Deep tech start-up Tvasta Manufacturing Solutions, specialising in construction 3D printing, has launched construction of the first 3D-printed structure in Kerala. This was done at the premises of Kerala State Nirmithi Kendra (KESNIK), a state-run entity in Thiruvananthapuram.  

The onsite printing of this 3D-printed structure has been initiated in association with KESNIK and has been designed as a Demo House on a built-up area of approximately 350 square feet. It will be an exhibition of rapid construction and mass customisation through 3D printing. 
Tvasta, founded by IIT Madras alums, has been in the industry for seven years and has completed over 5,000 square feet of 3D printed construction across India.   

K. Rajan, Kerala's Minister of Housing and Revenue, VK Prashanth, MLA from Vattiyoorkavu Constituency in Thiruvananthapuram, Anoop P Ambika, director of Kerala Start-Up Mission were present at the event along with KESNIK's director Dr Febi Varghese, and its CTO R Jayan. 

Addressing the launch event, Minister Rajan said, "The construction industry in Kerala is growing due to new construction programmes, housing policies and principles. Introducing Tvasta's technology to the construction community is hopeful. Kerala faces problems due to sudden climate changes, so the potential of this technology is promising as it is durable, rapid and sustainable."

The project will be carried out through a robotic arm printer and will illustrate a hybrid 3D printing methodology (offsite and onsite printing) for the first time using the same printer. The printing period is about ten days, including both printing methodologies. While offsite printing has been completed, onsite printing has been initiated.  

Speaking about this project, Adithya VS, co-founder and chief executive officer of Tvasta Manufacturing, said, "We are proud to collaborate with KESNIK. Through this collaboration, we aim to create awareness of the benefits of construction 3D printing and increase the utilisation of the technology in government initiatives. We hope the demo structure will be a congregating point for the talented Kerala construction industry."

KESNIK is a state-run organisation established in 1989 to practice and propagate Cost Effective and Environment Friendly (CEEF) construction techniques as an alternative to the existing processes. 

Founded in 2016 by IIT Madras alums Adithya VS, Vidyashankar C and Parivarthan Reddy. With offices in Chennai and Bengaluru, Tvasta developed a 'Made in India' technology focusing on leveraging automation and robotics in 3D printing platforms for faster, economical and sustainable construction methods compared to conventional technologies. 

Tvasta successfully constructed India's first 3D printed monument, 'Ananta Siras', for the 75th Anniversary of The India Cements in Chennai last year. This year, it has also successfully constructed India's first 3D-printed security pavilion in collaboration with Godrej Construction in Mumbai. It is designed and developed to be climate-responsive.