Group of architects create region’s largest 3D-printed building in just 140 hours

A large European structure, dubbed by its creators as the Wave House, took just 140 hours to build, thanks to 3D printing technology. 

It’s the result of a collaboration of several firms and tech experts to build a unique, stylish cloud-computing data center in Heidelberg, Germany, the largest 3D-printed structure on the continent, according to a story by New Atlas. 

In addition to a design that lives up to its ocean-themed name, the build is also another success story for the unique construction concept. 

The printer, which looks like a scaffolding rig that moves across the top of the build site, lets loose a recyclable “cement-like mixture” in layers. The slurry comes out at 43 square feet per hour, forming the outside walls. The process releases “significantly less” air pollution than traditional methods, all per New Atlas. 

The unique facility, at 600 square meters (about 6458 square feet), was designed by SSV and Mense Korte, printed by Peri 3D Construction for KrausGruppe, the developer.  

“A challenge … in the Heidelberg project was solved by the architects … by giving the walls a wave design, a design feature that also gave name to the building: the Wave House. Such wave designed walls could not have been realized using conventional construction methods, so instead 3D construction printing technology was used due to the design freedom of this construction method,” said a press release about the project, quoted by New Atlas. 

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A time-lapse video highlights the impressive size and maneuvering capability of the printer, showing it traveling back and forth over the structure, adding a layer of material with each pass. 

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The result is a building that looks fit for a Hollywood movie set, with vertical ridges, cylindrical elements, and wave-like designs. A human crew finished the roof, doors, wiring, and some other parts of the build. 

Standard materials used to construct buildings generate about 9% of global air pollution. What’s more, “raw resource use” is forecast to double by 2060. Steel, concrete, and cement are among the building elements noted in a United Nations report on the sector’s impact on planet overheating. 

Other concepts being developed to clean up some of the pollution from the construction sector include a cement alternative made from fungus, called mycocrete. And in the United States, 3D-printed communities are growing, utilizing the efficiency of the tech. 

The innovations are important in more ways than one. By reducing planet-warming air pollution, we can improve sustainability for our food system, as climate-worsened storms, droughts, and other weather patterns are impacting the agriculture sector, including food prices.

Unique 3D-printed buildings like the Wave House could become a more standard part of efforts to quickly and sustainably construct buildings. For typically utilitarian structures like data centers, the result can even be a bit artistic. 

“The trend toward making data centers more in the vicinity of the users and therefore locate them in suburban areas and cities has created a need to make the data centers more visually appealing,” New Atlas reported, quoting the press release on the project.

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Are 3D Printed Data Centres a Viable Sustainable Solution?

Speaking on the project’s completion, COBOD highlighted a growing trend towards making data centres more in the vicinity of the users and to therefore locate them in suburban areas and cities. As a result, data centre developers are starting to focus on the need to make data centres more visually appealing.Additionally, it was a cost-saver, with Hans-Jörg Kraus, Managing Partner of KRAUS GRUPPE Heidelberg, commenting on the amount saved via 3D construction printing.
“I cannot tell you what it would cost if we had made the data centre conventionally,” he said. “3D construction printing made this project economically viable”.
In addition to saving time and cost, constructing 3D printed data centres could also lead to more customised solutions being created to suit a wide range of functions and situations. This is ideal for a data centre facility, given that supply and demand is swelling rapidly around the world on account of technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI).
3D printed construction has also been hailed as energy efficient, as it means that developers are using fewer resources and creating less waste. Enhanced sustainability solutions can result in greater economic success for businesses, which could be particularly useful when considering the amount of power and energy data centres currently use.
This type of construction could result in data centres being able to experiment more with the appearance and contents of their site and creating more opportunities for innovation.
Associated challenges: Does this plan have a design flaw?
Despite such forward-thinking progress, 3D printed data centres could result in some challenges, including job cuts, design inaccuracies and even a lack of reinforcement if not considered correctly.
As 3D printed buildings enter further into public consciousness, and even city centres, debates could arise over the strength of these structures and how much they can contain. 
Speaking in a LinkedIn post, General Manager Cloud at Cyberlink AG, Maximilian Wellenhofer, comments on how data centres would need to incorporate reinforcement techniques to address these potential issues.
“These challenges notwithstanding, the project in Heidelberg – and the broader push towards 3D-printed structures – opens up a dialogue about the future of construction in high-risk areas, including those prone to earthquakes,” he highlights. “The industry must address structural integrity and resilience against natural disasters, ensuring these innovative structures can withstand such events without compromising safety or functionality.”
He adds: “This approach not only highlights the potential for more efficient building methods but also prompts a significant question: can the architectural design of 3D-printed structures be optimised for natural cooling processes to reduce power consumption for cooling?”
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Construction Begins on World’s Largest 3D Printed Structure in Switzerland

Courtesy of Hansmeyer/Dillenburger | Tor AlvaShareShareFacebookTwitterMailPinterestWhatsappOrhttps://www.archdaily.com/1015232/construction-begins-on-worlds-largest-3d-printed-structure-in-switzerlandClipboard”COPY”CopyConstruction has just begun on the Tor Alva, or the White Tower, the world’s largest 3-D printed tower. Designed by architects Michael Hansmeyer and Benjamin Dillenburger and printed with concrete by the technology university ETH Zurich, 8 out of 32 structural columns have been completed. Nestled in the village of Mulegns in the Swiss Alps, the White Tower is designed as a venue for music and theater events. Standing at 30 meters, the design features 32 distinct Y-shaped columns, each boasting a pattern of textured details.+ 18

Construction work on 3D printed data center in Germany completed

Construction on a 3D-printed building set to be used as a data center in Heidelberg, Germany, has been completed.

Real estate developer and investor Kraus Group handed over the facility – known as the Wavehouse Campbell Heidelberg – to local cloud and data center provider Heidelberg iT Management at an event this week attended by DCD.Known as Baufeld 5 and located at Billie-Holiday-Strasse 7 in Baden-Württemberg, the single-story building totals just under 600 sqm (6,600 sq ft).It is reportedly Europe’s largest 3D-printed structure, the first 3D-printed industrial building globally, and the first 3D-printed data center globally.Work on the facility began last year using a BOD2 3D construction printer. Construction on the shell is complete and Heidelberg iT will now build out the white space and electrical room.The data center will offer 500kW and have capacity for around 100 racks. The fit-out is expected to be complete towards the end of the summer. The IT firm has a long-term lease on the site.The facility was printed using around 450 tons of printing concrete from Heidelberg Materials. The concrete is 100 percent recyclable and contains a binder that can reportedly achieve a 55 percent CO2 reduction rate compared to pure Portland cement.Partners on the project include Peri 3D, which is part of the scaffolding firm Peri Group, as well as architecture firms Mense-Korte and SSV.“We are very proud to have realized our largest building to date with this project,” said Dr Fabian Meyer-Brötz, managing director of Peri 3D. “The special shape and the parametric design provide insights into the immense design freedom that the Cobod BOD2 3D printer enables.”Cobod – privately owned by General Electric, with CEMEX, Holcim, and Peri as key shareholders – manufactures the BOD2 construction printers. The actual printing took around 140 hours, equivalent to printing four square meters of building per hour.Though officially launched in 2007 after merging with MEG Kommunikationssysteme GmbH, Heidelberg iT can trace its roots back to the launch of its first data center in cooperation with MVV Manet GmbH in 2001. A second facility was launched in 2016. The company is set to launch a third – traditionally constructed – data center in the coming months that will also offer 500kW.In the US, EdgeCloudLink (ECL) plans to offer hydrogen-powered off-grid modular data centers, built in 1MW units, using 3D printing construction.DCD will be profiling the story behind the new 3D-printed data center in issue 52 of the DCD >Magazine. Subscribe for free today.

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Portugal’s first 3D printed house

Could 3D printing be the future for housing? Today we’re taking a look at what will be the first Portuguese house “built” using a 3D printer in Portela da Villa, in Torres Vedras. It will be built by Litehaus.The company that links cutting-edge technology to the real estate sector aims to “bring a sustainable and innovative solution to the [construction] industry, which is responsible for 42% of carbon emissions”. The process of creating this residential unit was carried out using technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, in an initial phase of creativity and projection, and 3D printing already in its building.In a statement, Litehaus explains that it wants to focus on the production of modular buildings and 3D-printed houses, which consume 67 per cent less energy to manufacture. The aim, it says, is to build 100 houses a year in Portugal.”We’re here to make the sector wary. This technology allows us to produce up to 45m2 of walls in just 20 hours,” says Simi Launay, Litehaus’ Chief Creative Officer.”Litehaus is embarking on a mission to redefine living spaces, fusing AI technology, 3D printing and modular homes to create buildings that echo simplicity, innovation and sustainability. Our goal is to build 70% faster and 20% cheaper, building homes that epitomise elegance and minimalism harmonised with Portugal’s natural beauty,” he adds.

This wave-shaped building was 3D-printed in record time (VIDEO)

PARIS, March 12 — Europe’s largest 3D-printed building was recently inaugurated in Heidelberg, Germany. Its construction, with walls shaped like a giant wave, took just 140 working hours, presenting exciting prospects for “printing” other, even larger buildings.Building printing specialist Peri 3D used an imposing printer from manufacturer Cobod to construct this building, which now houses a data centre. This achievement marks a breakthrough in the construction industry.Its wave-shaped walls were assembled entirely using 3D printing technology, using Cobod’s BOD2 3D construction printer. Printing the walls of the 54-metre long, 11-metre wide and 9-metre high building took just 140 working hours for a total surface area of 600 square meters. This equates to an efficiency rate of around 4 square meters per hour, highlighting the progress made by this type of technology.The building stands out not only for its construction method. It has no windows and only a few doors, which is typical of a data centre, not least for security reasons. In addition, its walls are wave-shaped, a feature that gives the building its name, “The Wave House.” Such shapes would have been difficult to achieve using conventional construction methods, but 3D printing paves the way for new creative building forms.AdvertisementIn recent years, many homes and even hotels have been 3D printed. Today, it’s possible to do the same thing on the scale of much larger buildings.Some 60 printers of this kind are currently in operation worldwide. — ETX Studio[embedded content]Advertisement

Switzerland will be home to the world’s tallest 3D-printed building

Switzerland, home to the tallest summit in Europe – Jungrau, will also be home to one of the world’s tallest 3D-printed structures.

Tor Alva, a 3D-printed tower developed by Swiss researchers, has been structured layer by layer using advanced concrete technology in the remote village of Mulegns, Switzerland.

“This technology enables non-standard, tailor-made elements to be manufactured efficiently. These types of forms would be nearly impossible to produce at this scale using conventional technologies,” said the website for Tor Alva. 

COBOD Launched VR Solution for 3D Construction Printing

COBOD has launched a VR solution for 3D construction printing, allowing people to experience live 3D printing in virtual reality. The VR solution offers a realistic experience, allowing individuals to watch COBOD’s real printed buildings being constructed in a virtual residential area. COBOD will present the VR solution at UK Construction Week, London, from May […]

Construction Begins On World’s Tallest 3D-Printed Tower In Swiss Alps

Harsh ConditionsWinter in the Swiss Alps is harsh. It’s cold and windy with a lot of snow. Designers and architects had to keep this in mind during the design phase. To address the elements, there is a membrane that attaches to the tower during winter that shields the tower from the wind and snow during the harsh months and ensures the longevity and preservation of the building.Design and ConstructionThe material used for the 3D printed construction allows for “expressive shapes, surface detailing, and hollow features.”  The tower has six floors. According to the firm, each floor varies in atmosphere and ambiance. As you make your way up the tower, each floor gets brighter and brighter. At dusk, the rooms illuminate the village. Despite each room and floor being different, they are all unified by the construction.The White Tower’s parts being 3D printed; Photo: Hansmeyer/DillenbergerArchitects lay out a digital model used to print out each layer of the tower. To help build the structure, they use a robotic arm to extrude thin layers of specially formulated concrete. For support enhancements, steel reinforcement elements may be implemented in the design for structural strength.Once the parts are printed, they are smoothed and decorated to be assembled. Plans are in place to eventually deconstruct the tower in the future to highlight “the concept of circular economy.”  When designers began the project, they also kept disassembly in mind, so it could be taken apart and rebuilt somewhere else after five years in Mulegns. It’s an innovative concept for future construction projects thanks to the capability of creating unique 3D-printed designs.

Printing Swedish houses with algae

For the first time, a new material made from tiny cellulose fibers and algae has been tried as a more environmentally friendly option for construction.
Researchers from Chalmers University of Technology and the Wallenberg Wood Science Center in Sweden experimented with this sustainable material and found it can be used to create various architectural components using less energy than traditional methods.
The construction industry is a major contributor to global pollution, using half of the world’s fossil fuels, generating 40% of waste, and producing 39% of carbon dioxide emissions. To combat this, scientists are exploring biomaterials like nanocellulose, which is already used in biomedicine for its ability to be 3D printed into structures for tissue growth. This study marks the first attempt to use dried nanocellulose in architecture.
By mixing nanocellulose fibers with water and an algae-based substance called alginate, the researchers created a material that could be 3D printed. This blend provided flexibility to the material when it dried, enabling its use in architectural applications.
The use of 3D printing in architecture is seen as a resource-efficient method. Unlike traditional methods that produce waste, 3D printing requires fewer materials and less energy, particularly when using a robotic system that operates at room temperature. The properties of the nanocellulose hydrogel allow it to be easily printed and maintain its shape without requiring high temperatures.
The researchers tested various printing techniques to understand how the material behaves when dried in different shapes. These dried shapes could be used to create lightweight architectural elements such as room dividers, blinds, wall panels, and coatings for existing building components.
This study lays the groundwork for further exploration of nanocellulose in architectural design, highlighting the need for new approaches to incorporate biobased materials into buildings. Understanding the properties and design possibilities of these materials is crucial for creating sustainable and aesthetically pleasing structures that align with the goals of a circular economy.
Robotically 3D printed architectural membranes from ambient dried cellulose nanofibril-alginate hydrogel“, published in the journal Materials and Design.
#GreenBuilding #SustainableDesign #Nanocellulose #Architecture

3D printed white tower in the swiss alps begins construction with columns made of concrete

3D-printed White tower surfaces using soft concreteThe construction of the four-floor White Tower in the remote village of Mulegns in the Swiss Alps began on February 1st, 2024, with the introduction of 3D-printed columns of the Tor Alva architecture. The first 8 columns of the lower floor are being printed by a robot that extrudes soft concrete into multilayered print paths at ETH in Zurich, resulting in a series of joint-based, twisting hollow columns for the White Tower. The 3D-printed architecture requires no framework, while the necessary steel reinforcement is inserted in the robotic production process. The White Tower is constructed as modular and can be rebuilt at another location after staying in Mulegns for five years.front view of White Tower in Mulegns | images courtesy of Michael Hansmeyer & Benjamin Dillenburger (unless stated)The White Tower, or Tor Alva in Mulegns, Swiss Alps, is designed by architects Benjamin Dillenburger and Michael Hansmeyer. The Digital Building Technologies group of ETH Zurich is developing the tower’s technology in collaboration with the Institute of Structural Analysis and Design (CSBD) and the Institute of Building Materials (PCBM) in the context of the National Competence Center Digital Fabrication. Based on the timeline that Michael Hansmeyer detailed, the 3D-printed White Tower is set to have its columns assembled in May 2024, with a June 2024 expected date of Tor Alva’s opening.the construction of the White Tower in the remote village of Mulegns in the Swiss Alps began on February 1st, 2024Inside the process of the 3D-printed white tower3D printing has become the main tool that realizes the architecture of the White Tower. Soft concrete emerges as the key ingredient, and as the robot spurts thin layers of soft concrete through a nozzle, it instinctively directs itself to form geometric, hollow columns until it reaches a certain height. The material, being soft concrete, is malleable enough to bond to form homogeneous components. As soon as it hardens, and which it does quite quickly, it supports the successive freshly layered extrusion. The design team says that by saving mass and cement, the 3D printing process can also entail a reduction in the carbon emissions generated during production.3D concrete printing of columns in the robotic fabrication laboratory, ETH Zurich | image by R. MasallamAt 30 meters high, including the base, the White Tower may take home the crown for being the tallest 3D-printed building in the world. Another feature that the design team is excited to highlight comes through the absence of the formwork, given that the concrete is not poured in 3D printing but rather layered in extruded strips by a robot. Adding to this, dismantling the 3D-printed White Tower can be easy. The design team has this in their minds since they might think of rebuilding Tor Alva someplace else after serving its five-year life in the Swiss Alps. It helps that the architecture has a modular design that allows the individual components to be easily assembled and dismantled, and be built again using removable screws instead of adhesives.test assembly of level 1 in the robotic fabrication laboratory, ETH Zurich3D-printed Tor Alva as an artistic and cultural spaceDiving into the project’s background, the 3D-printed White Tower or Tor Alva is expected to rise at 30 meters along the Julien mountain in the remote village of Mulegns, Switzerland. It is designed for Fundaziun Origen, functioning as a space for art installations, music, and theater performances. The recently printed hollow columns echo the central interior of the architecture, with the facade being windowless and open, adorned by the criss-cross structure natural to the 3D printing process. The White Tower presents itself as the byproduct of computational design, digital fabrication, structural engineering, and materials science, gradually emerging from the use of soft concrete extrusion.3D concrete printing of columns in the robotic fabrication laboratory, ETH Zurich | image by R. MasallamFrom the get-go, the 3D-printed White Tower already embodies an installative character. If this springs as the first thought, then treating it as a venue for intimate concerts, art affairs, and cultural mediation becomes complementary. Glancing at its design, Tor Alva consists of 32 branching columns that wrap around a series of abstract and atmospheric rooms. From the ground, visitors ascend through the vertical stairs, and once they reach the top floor, the vaulted concert venue greets them alongside the panoramic horizon across the Julier valley. The design team says that the White Tower’s characteristics are reminiscent of the craftsmanship of the master builders of the Baroque era in Grison, brought to life again by 3D printing.test assembly of level 1 in the robotic fabrication laboratory, ETH Zurich

Completed Data Center Is Europe’s Largest 3D Printed Building – 3DPrint.com | The Voice of 3D Printing / Additive Manufacturing

As exciting as 3D printed homes are, particularly when part of a feel-good story, it is the industrial applications of the technology that may represent the maturity of the additive construction (AC) sector. This is made evident with the completion of Europe’s largest 3D printed building, the Wavehouse data center in Germany, which is described as the first of its kind in the industrial and data center sectors globally.
Developed by Kraus Group, with participation from architecture firms Mense-Korte and SSV, this single-story facility is situated in the Baden-Württemberg region of Heidelberg. It took the PERI Group, an investor in AC firm COBOD, about 140 hours to complete the nearly 600-square-meter building using a BOD2 3D printer. According to the companies involved, about 450 tons of printing concrete, provided by Heidelberg Materials, were used. This material is described as both 100% recyclable and featuring a binder capable of achieving a 55% CO2 reduction compared to traditional Portland cement.

Building Leaders Serious about Construction 3D Printing
Founded in 1874, Heidelberg Materials is a €21.095 billion company, with 57,000 employees working at 3,000 production sites across 60 countries. This puts it on par with COBOD investor and materials company Holcim and somewhat ahead of COBOD investor and materials company CEMEX, as well as Swiss AC backer and materials company Sika. All are less than half the size of the €51.2 billion French materials giant Saint-Gobain, which is pursuing AC through its Weber Beamix subsidiary. There are only some of the leading construction businesses exploring the technology, but they are representative enough to demonstrate just how serious the sector has become.
What’s also interesting is the overlap by these firms in the AC space. As noted, several are COBOD investors, while both PERI Group and Sika have backed another construction 3D printing startup, Mesh AG. The technology of COBOD and Mesh are complementary, in that Mesh can 3D print steel reinforcement for 3D printed buildings, such as those made with COBOD’s machines. However, one would think of Sika, Holcim, and CEMEX as competitors. Obviously in global business, multinational corporations share much in common and similar goals in terms of “growing the pie,” but the extent to which these frenemies can coexist investing in the same startup is difficult to foresee.
Construction 3D Printing and Infrastructure, Growing Together
The Wavehouse will be operated by Heidelberg iT Management, a local cloud and data center provider with a history dating back to 2001. The center is expected to offer 500kW of power and accommodate around 100 racks. While the facility’s 3D printed shell has been completed, the total job is expected to be finished by the end of the summer.

While the Wavehouse is a more traditional form of data center, EdgeCloudLink in the United States plans to pursue the construction of hydrogen-powered, off-grid modular data centers built using 3D printing. The market for data center construction is massive, with some analysts projecting a seven percent growth from $250.4 billion in 2023 to $270.07 billion in 2024. This makes sense given the growing need for servers in general, thanks to such technologies as artificial intelligence and cloud computing.
In order to keep up with demand, builders will likely turn increasingly to AC as a means of constructing these structures more quickly, while also demonstrating the ability of 3D printing to make facilities that can meet the requirements of data centers in terms of cooling and structural integrity. This trend would complement other infrastructure projects that AC will certainly play a role in, such as new rail systems, power generation, disaster relief, and general construction.
All images courtesy of Heidelberg Materials. 

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Godrej & Boyce builds 500-sq-ft office in 40 hours with 3D construction printing technology

Godrej & Boyce, the flagship company of the Godrej Group, has constructed a 500 sq ft office in the company’s own greenfield campus at Khalapur near Mumbai in a 40-hour timeframe.

The First House Made With 3D Printing and AI Announced In Portugal

As we all know, additive manufacturing is being implemented in a growing number of sectors. One example is construction, where 3D printed housing is booming. In fact, soon we may see the first 3D printed house in Portugal. Not only that, but the house will be made not just using 3D printing but also artificial intelligence (AI).If you have been following us for a while, you must know that in the past two years there have been all kinds of 3D printed homes unveiled. This of course ranges from low-cost housing designed to alleviate the housing crisis to homes that have been optimized and designed to be more sustainable. In fact, it has grown so significantly that the construction 3D printing market is expected to grow in value from $3.5B in 2023 to $400 billion by 2030. Now, the company Litehaus has also decided to put its hat in the range by focusing on sustainable construction for luxury housing.A mock-up of what the house is expected to look likeMaking a House With 3D Printing and AITo be located in Torres Vedras, Portugal (only 30 minutes from Lisbon!), this house, as mentioned, will be made by combining 3D printing and AI. During the initial creation and design phase, Litheaus, has made use of AI to create the interior and exterior design of the home. This is a significant breakthrough for the construction and 3D printing industry.The manufacture of this type of modular buildings with 3D printing has a number of very important benefits. One of them is related to energy consumption. As we can well imagine, the energy consumption of a 3D printed house is lower than that of a house built by traditional methods, but how low is it in comparison? The answer is that 67% less energy is needed if the house is built in 3D. This will hopefully put a dent in the estimated 42% of carbon emissions for which the construction sector is responsible.Another big advantage is speed, as Simi Launay, creative director of Litehaus, explains, “This technology [allows] us to produce as much as 45m2 of walls in only 20 hours.” As most of the 3D printing of this home will be focus on the walls, this is not insignificant.  Indeed, the hope is to build up to 100 houses a year in the country, starting from a complex of thirteen houses!Launey further explained the purpose of this project, concluding: “Litehaus is embarking on a mission to redefine living spaces, fusing AI technology, 3D printing and modular homes to create buildings that resonate with simplicity, innovation and sustainability. Our goal is to build 70% faster and 20% cheaper, delivering residences that epitomize elegance and minimalism harmonized with Portugal’s natural beauty.” You can find out more on the company’s website HERE.A look at the backyard, including a poolWhat do you think about the use of 3D printing and AI in building construction? Let us know in a comment below or on our LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter pages! Don’t forget to sign up for our free weekly newsletter here, the latest 3D printing news straight to your inbox! You can also find all our videos on our YouTube channel.*All Photo Credits: Liethaus

Studio RAP 3D printed building facade in Amsterdam

Rotterdam-based firm Studio RAP has unveiled an innovative project in the heart of Amsterdam’s upscale shopping district. 
Located at 32 P.C., the three-story townhouse-style building has undergone a radical transformation, catching the attention of passersby with a subtle yet noticeable ripple on its facade. The design results from Studio RAP’s integration of computational design, specialized robotics, and ceramic craftsmanship. From the second floor to the street level, the facade comprises custom ceramic tiles algorithmically designed and 3D printed.
Studio RAP’s innovative facade blends tradition and technology in Amsterdam. Photo via Studio RAP.
A glimpse into the future of architecture
Studio RAP’s approach stands out for leveraging computational design tools to generate intricate patterns inspired by textiles, weaving, and stitches. Lucas ter Hall, Co-Founder of Studio RAP, underscores that, while the design is rooted in computation, the ultimate focus remains on the physical realization of the end product. The result is a facade that mirrors traditional bricks and tiles but incorporates an additional layer of complexity and allure.
Large industrial robots within a vast warehouse at Studio RAP translate algorithmically generated designs into tangible objects. For the Amsterdam storefront, tailored algorithms were meticulously crafted to produce a rippled form similar to textile weaves. Designers invested considerable time fine-tuning the algorithmic design to align seamlessly with 3D printing and clay glazing processes, ensuring the finished tiles authentically resembled textured cloth.
Studio RAP’s software was used to generate robot tool paths aligned with the designed geometry, while specialized nozzles were developed to ensure a high level of detail in the 3D printed tiles, each requiring approximately 45 minutes to print. Ter Hall highlights that understanding the capabilities of the robots allows for more expressive design possibilities. The upper section of the facade adheres to city regulations, replicating the shape and color of conventional bricks to harmonize with the surrounding buildings.
The Amsterdam storefront represents just one facet of Studio RAP’s exploration into 3D printed architecture, says the company. The firm previously garnered attention for its design of a bold blue ceramic treatment for the interior of two vaulted gates in Delft. Ter Hall notes that Studio RAP is actively involved in additional projects using the same innovative technique, with expectations of reducing both time and costs. The ultimate goal is to undertake larger and more complex projects, pushing the boundaries of this novel technology.

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3D printing beautifies the construction sector
In alliance with Mumbai’s additive manufacturing solutions provider Simpliforge Creations, Hyderabad-based construction firm Apsuja Infratech built the world’s first 3D printed temple in Siddipet. The 3,800 sq ft, 30 ft high structure aimed to halve construction time, completed in 2-3 months. 
Simpliforge’s robotic 3D printing facility, South Asia’s largest, employed an in-house system, materials, and software for the intricate design. The dome-shaped temple, dedicated to various deities, presented challenges, with completed sections including a Modak-shaped sanctum and a square Shrine.
Construction companies BAM and Weber Beamix unveiled the UK’s largest concrete 3D printed staircase for a footbridge over Scotland’s M8 motorway. Working with Glasgow City Council, BAM employed 3D printing to reduce costs, lower carbon footprint, and enhance design flexibility. 
Partnering with Weber Beamix, BAM 3D printed intricate stairs off-site, minimizing material use by 40%. The controlled environment ensured structural strength, weather immunity, and integration of sensors for quality monitoring. Connecting Glasgow to Sighthill, the footbridge signifies a construction technology leap, prompting potential broader applications in the UK.
What does the future of 3D printing for the next ten years hold?
What engineering challenges will need to be tackled in the additive manufacturing sector in the coming decade?
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Featured image shows Studio RAP’s innovative facade blends tradition and technology in Amsterdam. Photo via Studio RAP.

‘First-ever’ 3D printed low CO2 concrete building unveiled

First low CO2 concrete building 3D printed in Copenhagen made by 3DCP Group – a 72 m2 (775 SF) community building.

The debut of a 3D-printed, low CO2 concrete building in Copenhagen marks a transformative leap in construction methods
Partnering with 3DCP Group, AKF introduces a pioneering structure featuring environmentally friendly materials and an adaptive construction process.
Once complete, the low CO2 concrete building will house a gym, a guest room and a common laundry facility for residents.
Special low CO2 cement with 30% lower CO2 footprint was used in the concrete
To further reduce the CO2 footprint, the entire AKF project was printed using low CO2 cement, which has a carbon footprint of 30% lower than normal cement.
The low CO2 cement was mixed with local sand and gravel and turned into 3D printable concrete using the D.fab admixtures method developed by Cemex and COBOD.
Compared to 3D printing of mortars, the low CO2 cement 3D printable concrete reduces the CO2 footprint by 50%.
The low CO2 concrete building was printed using five printing days
AKF sees significant potential in 3D printing technology that goes beyond concrete and envisions a future where natural resources like clay-rich soil can be used for 3D-printed construction.
Vibeke Lorenzen, the technical director at AKF, said: “3D printing opens the door to a world of possibilities, and hopefully, we can contribute to pushing the industry’s traditional construction methods”.
Saga Architects, who also designed the first building 3DCP Group made in Denmark, strived to make the community building appear forthcoming and friendly by using a lot of wood for the decorative parts and organic shapes for the walls, a detail virtually impossible to make with conventional methods.

Global 3D Printing Construction Market Forecast to 2030

Dublin, Jan. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The “Global 3D Printing Construction Market by Techniques (Extrusion, Powder Bonding), Material (Composite, Concrete, Metal), End-user – Forecast 2023-2030” report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com’s offering.The 3D Printing Construction Market is projected to reach USD 11,640.99 million by 2030 from USD 629.36 million in 2022, at a CAGR of 44.00% during the forecast period. Market Segmentation & Coverage:This research report analyzes various sub-markets, forecasts revenues, and examines emerging trends in each category to provide a comprehensive outlook on the 3D Printing Construction Market. Based on Techniques, the market is studied across Extrusion and Powder Bonding. The Powder Bonding is projected to witness significant market share during forecast period.Based on Material, the market is studied across Composite, Concrete, and Metal. The Concrete is projected to witness significant market share during forecast period.Based on End-user, the market is studied across Commercial, Industrial, and Residential. The Residential is projected to witness significant market share during forecast period.Based on Region, the market is studied across Americas, Asia-Pacific, and Europe, Middle East & Africa. FPNV Positioning Matrix:The FPNV Positioning Matrix is an indispensable tool for assessing the 3D Printing Construction Market. It comprehensively evaluates vendors, analyzing key metrics related to Business Strategy and Product Satisfaction. This enables users to make informed decisions tailored to their specific needs. Through advanced analysis, vendors are categorized into four distinct quadrants, each representing a different level of success: Forefront (F), Pathfinder (P), Niche (N), or Vital (V). Be assured that this insightful framework empowers decision-makers to navigate the market with confidence.Market Share Analysis:The Market Share Analysis offers invaluable insights into the vendor landscape 3D Printing Construction Market. By evaluating their impact on overall revenue, customer base, and other key metrics, we provide companies with a comprehensive understanding of their performance and the competitive environment they confront. This analysis also uncovers the level of competition in terms of market share acquisition, fragmentation, dominance, and industry consolidation during the study period.The report offers valuable insights on the following aspects: Market Penetration: It provides comprehensive information about key players’ market dynamics and offerings.Market Development: In-depth analysis of emerging markets and penetration across mature market segments, highlighting lucrative opportunities.Market Diversification: Detailed information about new product launches, untapped geographies, recent developments, and investments.Competitive Assessment & Intelligence: Exhaustive assessment of market shares, strategies, products, certifications, regulatory approvals, patent landscape, and manufacturing capabilities of leading players.Product Development & Innovation: Intelligent insights on future technologies, R&D activities, and breakthrough product developments. Companies Mentioned Aectual B.V.Aeditive GmbHApis Cor Inc.BATIPRINT 3DBetabramBlack Buffalo 3D Corporation.ChangeMaker3DCOBOD International A/SConstructions-3DContour Crafting CorporationCyBe ConstructionHyperion Robotics OyICON Technology, Inc.MakerCarl 3DMighty Buildings, Inc.MUDBOTS 3D CONCRETE PRINTING, LLCMX3DRAP Technologies B.V.Sika AGSQ4D LLCTotal KustomWASP S.r.IXtreeEYingchuang Building Technique (Shanghai) Co.Ltd.(Winsun) For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/9oh4o3 About ResearchAndMarkets.comResearchAndMarkets.com is the world’s leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.
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Global 3D Printing Construction Market

First 3D printed house in Portugal

The property will be located in Portela da Villa, in Torres Vedras, 30 minutes from Lisbon.3D printing focuses mainly on walls. “This technology allows us to produce up to 45m2 of walls in just 20 hours”, says Simi Launay, chief creative officer at Litehaus, quoted in a statement to which Notícias ao Minuto had access.“The process of creating this housing unit is carried out using technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, during the initial creative and design phase, and 3D printing, during the construction phase,” according to the company.3D printing is focused primarily on walls. “We are here to take away the distrust of the sector. This technology allow us to produce as much as 45m2 of walls in only 20 hours,” says Simi Launay, Litehaus’ Chief Creative Officer.Litehaus aims to build 100 homes a year in Portugal: “Our goal is to build 70% faster and 20% cheaper, delivering residences that epitomize elegance and minimalism harmonized with Portugal’s natural beauty,” adds Simi Launay.

Couple living in 3D printed concrete home for $1,400 a month reveal what it’s like

With 3D printing becoming increasingly popular, it seems a logical step that people would try to 3D print a house.One project in the Netherlands has done just, building five houses using the process in 2021, and couple Elize Lutz and Harrie Dekkers receiving their ‘digital key’.The bungalow, owned by real-estate investment company Vesteda, was being leased on six-month contracts at about $1,400 a month, Business Insider reported in 2021.Loading…The homes are certainly a departure from a bricks and mortar house, with a summary of the project describing how it wants to explore the design possibilities from 3D printing.Now obviously this is a bit different from a 3D printer you would have at home. The crane-mounted printer lays several thin layers of concrete which are stacked on top of each other, starting from the ground up.There’s no steel frame or reinforced concrete, it’s just layer after layer of concrete mix, with the 3D printing also creating cavities to provide insulation and space for wiring and plumbing.They look a bit like the filling of an oreo or an ice cream sandwich.But what are they like to actually live in?Lutz said: “I saw the drawing of this house and it was exactly like a fairytale garden,” adding: “It is beautiful.”The end result of a 3D printed house. Credit: ROB ENGELAAR/ANP/AFP via Getty ImagesDekkers added: “It has the feel of a bunker – it feels safe.”It is hoped that the structure will help provide affordable housing that’s quick to construct.In a press release, housing and spatial development alderman at the municipality of Eindhoven, Yasin Torunoglu, said: “In addition to affordable homes, the market increasingly demands innovative housing concepts.”With the 3D-printed home, we’re now setting the tone for the future: the rapid realization of affordable homes with control over the shape of your own house.”At present, this process of building houses is still not more cost effective than older ways of doing so, despite reduced labour costs.However, this is something that they hope to change in the future.This is what the houses look like when they’re finished. Credit: OB ENGELAAR/ANP/AFP via Getty ImagesIt is also hoped in the construction industry that the use of 3D printed construction could reduce the environmental impact, and also cut costs.In the Netherlands it is also a way to keep up construction as the country faces a shortage of skilled bricklayers.Construction company executive Bas Huysmans said: “If you look at what time we actually needed to print this house it was only 120 hours.“So all the elements, if we would have printed them in one go, it would have taken us less than five days because the big benefit is that the printer does not need to eat, does not need to sleep, it doesn’t need to rest.”So if we would start tomorrow, and learned how to do it, we can print the next house five days from now.”

CyBe and SAHIF to tackle South African housing crisis

20/06/2023: CyBe Construction, a leading provider of 3D concrete printers, and the South African Housing & Infrastructure Fund (SAHIF) have joined forces in a groundbreaking collaboration aimed at tackling the pressing housing shortage in South Africa. The joint effort will leverage innovative 3D concrete printing technology to deliver faster, cheaper, and more sustainable homes. This strategic cooperation comes in response to the urgent need for affordable housing and represents a significant step toward achieving the United Nations’ goal of providing safe and accessible housing for all by 2030.

South Africa’s Critical Housing Crisis
South Africa is currently facing a severe housing crisis, with an ever-increasing backlog that has persisted for years. According to Dr. Blade Nzimande, Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, the country currently faces a shortage of over 2.3 million houses. This backlog of affordable housing has now reached the dark milestone of persisting for over two decades, highlighting the urgent need for affordable housing solutions. Though the government is making significant progress in the provision of homes in the country, the demand for housing keeps rising every day. Unfortunately, the country’s housing crisis isn’t unique. Indonesia, for example, currently faces a shortage of over 10 million homes. Mexico needs to scale up its housing construction to 800,000 units a year to keep up with demand. India is estimated to have a housing shortage of over 38 million by 2030. It is evident that something needs to be done.

Building the Future Together
To address this critical issue, CyBe Construction (CyBe.eu) and SAHIF (sahiffund.co.za) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), combining their expertise and resources to come to a solution. This solution can be accredited to an alternative building method to substitute conventional construction: 3D concrete printing (3DCP). 3DCP has the ability to deliver homes quicker, cheaper, and more sustainable. “We believe that construction 3D printing will significantly alter and positively disrupt how human settlements will be delivered in South Africa,” said Minister Nzimande during a demonstration of the technology by the University of Johannesburg (UJ). The university’s demonstration showcased the capabilities of the CyBe Robot Crawler: a mobile 3D printer capable of efficiently constructing homes within hours. This printer is a product of CyBe Construction, the provider of 3D printing software and hardware in the MoU issued to solve the South-African housing crisis. As a market-leading 3D concrete printer company with a decade of experience, the company has demonstrated time after time being able to offer faster, cheaper, and more sustainable construction solutions. Their demonstration at UJ reaffirmed their expertise once again, making them the ideal candidate for the cooperation with SAHIF. The South African Housing and Infrastructure Fund (SAHIF) specializes in the development and application of sustainable materials and innovative technologies in the construction sector. SAHIF is the first fund in South Africa to embrace 3DCP in their approach. The collaboration between the two sustainable innovators, planning on rolling out large-scale development projects around the country, is poised to transform South Africa’s construction industry.

Turning Adversity into Progress
Though the collaboration between Cybe and SAHIF was being planned and prepared for some time now, the inauguration of the MoU still had a rather coercive trigger. The occurrence that lifted the agreement of the ground was a recent earthquake in South Africa. The seismic event, of which the epicenter is believed to be in Johannesburg’s neighboring city Boksburg, caused extensive damage to buildings in a large scale around the city. The earthquake served as the final push for the initiation of the MoU. SAHIF’s CEO, Rali Mampeule, emphasized the pressing need for affordable but resilient housing by stressing that “not only are 3D printed houses more affordable and quicker to build, but we also know they are sturdy enough to withstand seismic forces that took us by surprise this week.”

Earthquake-Proof Structures with 3D Printing
The adoption of 3D concrete printing technology provides a groundbreaking solution for constructing earthquake-resistant houses in South Africa. The inherent flexibility of 3DCP allows for the customization of structures, specifically tailored to withstand seismic activity. The technique also allows for the creation of intricate shapes that are reinforced with earthquake-resistant materials such as steel or polymer. The key factor in the method’s ability to absorb the seismic energy of an earthquake, however, can be attributed to CyBe Construction’s building material. The company has developed its own CyBe Mortar, an earthquake-proof mortar specifically formulated for 3D printing. This material combines high-strength aggregates and fibers, significantly bolstering its resistance to seismic forces. With superior durability and flexibility, this material stands out as an ideal option for constructing earthquake-proof houses. Additionally, its reduction of CO2 emissions by 32% as compared to traditional cement-based mortars promotes sustainability in the construction industry. This earthquake-resistant material, when combined with the precision, efficiency, and flexibility of 3D concrete printing, creates homes that not only prioritize safety but also showcase sustainability and style.

Fast, Affordable, and Sustainable Construction
The benefits of 3D concrete printing extend far beyond earthquake-proofing. The technique enables faster, cheaper, and more sustainable construction, making it an ideal solution for addressing the housing shortage in South Africa. The method almost entirely automates construction, resulting in significant time and labor hour savings. It also ensures optimal material usage, meaning less waste and lower material costs. This lower waste, along with the use of eco-friendly materials, contributes to more sustainable construction practices. CyBe Construction brings over ten years of experience in 3D concrete printing, offering a wealth of expertise and know-how in this cost-effective, efficient, and sustainable construction method. This makes them the perfect entity to work together with SAHIF. Combining SAHIF’s proficiency in South African construction and CyBe Construction’s competence in 3D concrete printing, the parties are well-equipped to address the pressing housing crisis in the country.

A Blueprint for Housing Success
The collaboration between CyBe Construction and SAHIF represents a significant milestone in addressing South Africa’s housing shortage. The transformative power of 3D concrete printing technology, with its ability to deliver faster, cheaper, and more sustainable homes, holds immense promise for the construction industry. As the urgent need for affordable housing is not bound to South Africa, as demonstrated by the housing backlogs in countries like Indonesia, Mexico, and India, the cooperation is poised to revolutionize the way homes are built not only in South Africa but also worldwide. With its proven effectiveness, 3D concrete printing can offer a scalable and efficient solution to this pressing global challenge, and the collaboration between CyBe and SAHIF can be seen as a precedent for solving the global housing crisis. By combining innovation, expertise, and a shared vision, CyBe Construction and the South African Housing and Infrastructure Fund are leading the way towards a future where safe, accessible, and sustainable housing is within reach for all.