Kraus Gruppe, a real estate developer and investor, has announced plans to construct the largest 3D printed building in Europe. The project is commissioned by Heidelberg IT Management GmbH & Co. KG, a provider of cloud and data center services.
Located in Heidelberg, Germany, this building will serve as an IT server hotel. The structure will be constructed by construction 3D printing firm PERI using COBOD‘s BOD2 3D printer, which is known for its capabilities in 3D printing. The walls will be designed by architects from SSV Architekten and Mense Korte.
Henrik Lund-Nielsen, Founder & General Manager of COBOD says, “In this unique project PERI is emphasizing two of the key benefits of 3D construction printing; speed of execution and design freedom. Because of this, our technology is capable of carrying out everything from materials savings windmill towers over low-cost residential housing in Africa to architectural office-type buildings in Germany.”
Europe’s largest 3D printed building under construction
The building will be approximately 54 meters long, 11 meters wide, and 9 meters high. It will be made of 100% recycled concrete and is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by 55% compared to a traditional concrete building. The construction of the building is expected to take 140 working hours. It will be printed using a COBOD BOD2 3D construction printer, which is a large-scale 3D printer that can print walls up to 10 meters high.
Dr. Fabian Meyer-Brötz, Managing Director of PERI said, “Based on parametric design, the special wall design used in the building documents the immense design freedom, that the COBOD BOD2 3D printer enables. We are very proud to be able to realize our largest building to date with this project.”
Commenced on March 31st, the project is a “work-in-progress” and is projected to reach completion by the conclusion of July 2023. Once completed, it will be the largest 3D printed building in Europe and a “showcase for the potential of 3D printing technology” in the construction industry, says Kraus Gruppe.
“As an independent family business with a long tradition and a future ahead, we want to promote innovative construction methods in Heidelberg and make a positive contribution to sustainable building methods,” added Hans-Jörg Kraus, Managing Partner of the Kraus Gruppe.
Sustainable approaches to construction 3D printing
Internationally recognized design studio Hassell, and to.org, a multi-faceted platform involved in venture capital, philanthropy, and the creative sector, unveiled their collaborative initiative to 3D print a public pavilion by employing recycled plastic materials. Given the pressing issue of global plastic waste, this novel concept aims to set a new standard by repurposing discarded plastic as a valuable resource for building purposes. The inspiration for the Pavilion emerged during a meeting between Xavier De Kestelier, Head of Design at Hassell, and Manuel Jimenez Garcia, the Founder of additive manufacturing company Nagami.
As part of the G20 Summit initiatives, researchers from IIT Guwahati constructed a sustainable 3D printed security post. The institute used a novel M40-grade sustainable concrete mixture that incorporates industrial waste, fibers, and chemical additives. The project was undertaken by Dodda Srinivas, Dhrutiman Dey, and Akshay Sahu, who established Stratify 3D under the guidance of Dr. Biranchi Panda, an Assistant Professor at IIT Guwahati. This digital technology aligns with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘AatmaNirbhar Bharat‘. IIT Guwahati says this automated technology is well-equipped to deliver customized homes in India, ensuring enhanced quality control and reduced lead times.
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Featured image shows Europe’s largest 3D printed building. Image via COBOD.
