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Wavehouse in Heidelberg, 2023
At 54 meters long, the Wavehouse is not only the largest printed building in Europe, but also demonstrates how parametric design can be effortlessly implemented using a 3D printer.
In 2024, we completed Europe's largest 3D-printed building to date in Heidelberg. The commercial building, measuring 54 meters long, 11 meters wide, and 9 meters high, was completed in just 170 hours of printing time. The wave-like façade was created using parametric design and gives the building, which is used as an IT data centre, its name: The Wavehouse.
Location
Project category
Commercial building
Pure printing time
170 hours
Project participants
KRAUS GROUP
Mense-Korte Architects
SSV Architects
Heidelberg Materials
IMPRESSIONS OF THE PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION
Europe's top dog in 3D construction printing
Something big is emerging
During the planning phase, the building's length was divided into three segments, which were to be printed consecutively. To do this, we moved the BOD2 3D printer twice on the construction site.
170 hours in 60 seconds
Layer upon layer sometimes comes in quick succession. Discover the implementation of all three printing stages, from the first to the last layer – in just one minute.
The result is impressive
More space for the facade: Since the server room doesn't require windows, the wave-like facade can extend across the entire area. The delicate curves and overhangs were effortlessly created by the 3D printer. With conventional construction methods, this architecture would only be feasible with expensive special formwork.
Automation to the power of three
In addition to the construction of the walls, the interior painting was also carried out by a robot. The vibrant green adorns the server room in the corporate colors of Heidelberg IT, which moved into the building in January 2024.
Requirements and solutions
Requirements
Since the server building was to be built directly in a residential area next to a daycare center, the KRAUSGRUPPE opted for a unique architecture that could only be economically realized using a 3D printer. The 54-meter length made it necessary to relocate the 3D printer several times. Furthermore, the Wavehouse was to be built using local materials and as sustainably as possible.
Solutions
The building was divided into three segments for construction, which meant the printer had to be moved twice on site. Thanks to the well-thought-out concept, this was accomplished quickly and easily within a few hours. A new 3D-printable building material from Heidelberg Materials was used, which offered good pumpability up to a height of 9 meters and good extrusion properties for the delicate curves. According to the manufacturer, it also has a 55% lower carbon footprint compared to pure Portland cement and is 100% recyclable.
Customer benefit
The Wavehouse was constructed in just 170 printing hours over a period of just a few months and completed on schedule shortly thereafter. The project impressively demonstrates that 3D construction printing not only enables extraordinary architecture with curves and overhangs, but also allows large buildings – of almost unlimited length – to be built cost-effectively and precisely. The tenant of the IT server building, Heidelberg IT, was able to move in on time in January 2024.
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