High-tech concrete from Heidelberg Materials

Europe’s largest 3D printed building currently under construction in Heidelberg, Germany

THE largest 3D printed building in Europe is currently being built in Heidelberg, Germany, using a special 3D concrete printing material from Heidelberg Materials.

Printing of the building began at the end of March 2023 and is expected to last until the end of July 2023. Once completed, the iconic commercial building measuring around 54m long, 11m wide and 9m high will house a data centre.

Heidelberg Materials are supplying around 450 tonnes of i.tech 3D for the project. This 100% recyclable building material developed specifically for 3D concrete printing, is entirely mineral-based and contains a binder with a carbon footprint that is said to be around 55% less than that of classic Portland cement.

Project partners PERI 3D Construction are creating the outer walls and partitions of the future data centre with their 3D construction printer.

‘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 Dr Nicola Kimm, member of the managing board of Heidelberg Materials and chief sustainability officer.

‘Together we show that sustainability and digitalization 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.’

By 2030, Heidelberg Materials aim to offer circular alternatives for half of their concrete products worldwide and 3D printed products are an integral part of the portfolio.

i.tech 3D was previously used to print the first residential buildings in Germany in 2020. Since then, Heidelberg Materials have further developed the material and further reduced its CO2 content.

Through appropriate design planning, the 3D printing process itself allows for up to 70% less material consumption compared with conventional construction methods and thus a further reduction in CO2.

The printing method also increases the speed and productivity of the construction process and makes construction sites safer through lower dust and noise emissions and reduced use of tools.