Qatar has begun construction on two large 3D-printed schools as part of a broader project to build 14 new educational facilities. Each 3D-printed school will cover 20,000 square meters, with the two structures totaling 40,000 square meters. UCC Holding and Qatar’s Public Works Authority (Ashghal) are collaborating on this project, which is scheduled for completion by the end of 2025.
The construction utilizes two custom BODXL printers from Danish company COBOD. These printers measure 50 meters long, 30 meters wide, and 15 meters high – comparable in size to a Boeing 737 hangar. A team of architects, engineers, material scientists, and technicians spent eight months conducting over 100 test prints and developing specialized concrete mixtures for Qatar’s climate.
The project incorporates night-time printing operations to avoid Qatar’s intense daytime heat. This approach helps protect materials and equipment while improving energy efficiency and worker safety. The printing process reduces raw material waste and concrete usage compared to traditional construction methods.
The school designs feature curved, dune-like walls inspired by Qatar’s desert landscape. These organic shapes would be difficult to achieve using conventional construction techniques. The architectural design takes advantage of 3D printing’s ability to create complex geometric forms.
The 3D-printed schools are part of Qatar’s efforts to advance sustainable urban development and construction technology. The project aims to demonstrate a scalable model for educational infrastructure that could be implemented elsewhere in the region. When completed, these schools will represent a significant example of 3D printing technology applied to large-scale public infrastructure.
Source: arabianbusiness.com
