Architecture in 3D concrete printing – planning experiences between innovation and construction practice
The presentation shows current projects that demonstrate how 3D concrete printing has developed from a promising technology into a real construction process. The focus is on architectural, planning, and practical construction experiences from two pioneering projects that take the use of additive manufacturing in building construction to a new level.
The SCC clubhouse is Europe’s first public building to be constructed using a 3D printer. The two-story building was created in around 120 printing hours and required the largest printer configuration to date. The project, funded by the North Rhine-Westphalia Ministry of Construction, impressively demonstrates how complex building structures can be manufactured economically and precisely using additive manufacturing. The official opening took place in October 2025.
A second focus is on Germany’s first publicly funded apartment building. There, the ground floor and upper floors were constructed entirely using 3D concrete printing, while the attic was added using a wood-hybrid construction method. With less than 100 printing hours and a visible print structure, the project shows how serial housing production, design quality, and resource efficiency can be combined. The apartments were handed over in December 2024.
Both projects illustrate that 3D concrete printing opens up new possibilities in terms of both architecture and construction: from freedom of form and shorter construction times to optimized use of materials and hybrid construction concepts. The presentation provides a practical overview of planning processes, technical interfaces, and the integration of the technology into existing construction processes. Innovative, efficient, and sustainably constructed buildings using 3D concrete printing will be shown.
