The largest 3D printed building in Europe is currently being built in Heidelberg, Germany, using a special 3D concrete printing material from Heidelberg Materials. The building will house a data center and is expected to be completed by the end of July 2023.
Heidelberg Materials supplies around 450 tonnes of i.tech 3D, a 100% recyclable material that contains a binder with a carbon footprint around 55% lower than that of classic Portland cement. The use of this material allows for increased design freedom, up to 70% less material usage, and safe work on the construction site.
The company aims to offer circular alternatives for half of its concrete products worldwide by 2030, and 3D printed products are an integral part of its portfolio. They offer high-quality products and technical know-how to architects, engineers, manufacturers of 3D printers, and builders who want to use 3D printing to realize buildings or concrete elements.
“At Heidelberg Materials, innovative and sustainable products like i.tech 3D and the development of digital business models are essential elements of our sustainability strategy,”
”We are pleased to be part of this innovative project and to further develop 3D concrete printing as a particularly resource-efficient construction method with our partners,” said Nicola Kimm, Chief Sustainability Officer at Heidelberg Materials.
”Together we show that sustainability and digitalisation go hand in hand. At Heidelberg Materials, innovative and sustainable products like i.tech® 3D and the development of digital business models are essential elements of our sustainability strategy.”
Safer Construction
The use of i.tech 3D was already successful in printing the first residential buildings in Germany in 2020. Heidelberg Materials has further developed the building material and reduced its CO2 content. The 3D printing process itself allows for up to 70% less material consumption compared with conventional construction methods, and it increases the speed and productivity of the construction process while making construction sites safer through lower dust and noise emissions and reduced use of tools.
Once completed, the iconic commercial building by real estate company KRAUSGRUPPE will measure around 54 meters long, 11 meters wide and 9 meters high.
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