Qatar has launched the world’s largest 3D-printed construction project, building two futuristic public schools that span 40,000 square meters. This mega-project, led by UCC Holding in partnership with Ashghal (Qatar’s Public Works Authority) and COBOD International (a Danish 3D printing company), is setting a new benchmark in construction. The project involves using two custom BODXL printers from COBOD, each measuring 50 meters long, 30 meters wide, and 15 meters high.
The project highlights the potential of 3D printing in construction, which reduces material waste, concrete usage, and carbon emissions. The technology also improves energy efficiency and worker safety by printing at night to avoid intense daytime heat. One BODXL printer alone can build on a 1,500 square meter footprint, reaching up to five stories (roughly 7,500 square meters of built space). With two printers working side by side, the team can deliver the school’s full 40,000 square meter footprint efficiently.
The schools’ design takes inspiration from Qatar’s desert landscapes, featuring curved, dune-like walls that are difficult to achieve with conventional construction methods. The layered printing technique allows for organic, flowing forms that are nearly impossible to replicate using traditional construction techniques. The project is scheduled for completion by the end of 2025 and is expected to qualify for a Guinness World Record for the largest 3D-printed structure.
Image Courtesy: parametric-architecture.com
