3D-printed construction milestones take shape in Tennessee and Texas

Two notable 3D-printed projects mark milestones in the new construction technique of “printing” structures with specialized concrete.

In Athens, Tennessee, Walmart hired Alquist 3D to build a 20-foot-high store expansion, one of the largest freestanding 3D-printed commercial concrete structures in the U.S. In Marfa, Texas, the world’s first 3D-printed hotel is under construction at an existing hotel and campground site.

Alquist created a nearly 8,000 sf addition to the retailer’s online pickup and delivery space at the store. The project is the first time Walmart has used 3D printing technology at this scale.

Austin, Texas-based 3D printing company ICON and architects Bjarke Ingels Group are partnering on the hotel project on the outskirts of Marfa. The single-story, 12-foot-high walls of the first two units are a three-bedroom residential space and single-room hotel unit.

As the hotel is built, workers adjust and blend the concrete ingredients based on weather conditions. Humidity, temperature, and irradiance affect the material's behavior and the final color.

Walmart has completed one of the largest free-standing, 3D-printed commercial structures in the US. Alquist 3D printed the almost 8,000-sf, 20-foot-high addition to a Walmart store in Athens, Tenn. The expansion, which will be used for online pickup and delivery, is the first time Walmart has applied 3D printing technology at this scale.

3D Printing | Sep 13, 2024

Swiss researchers develop robotic additive manufacturing method that uses earth-based materials—and not cement

Researchers at ETH Zurich, a university in Switzerland, have developed a new robotic additive manufacturing method to help make the construction industry more sustainable. Unlike concrete 3D printing, the process does not require cement.

Aerial view of world's largest 3D-printed building, a luxury horse barn in Florida

3D Printing | Jun 20, 2023

World's largest 3D-printed building completed in Florida

Printed Farms, known for completing Florida’s first permitted 3D-printed house in Tallahassee, announces the completion of the world’s largest 3D-printed building: a luxury horse barn.

Simpliforge Creations 3D-printed place of worship in India

3D Printing | Jun 1, 2023

World's first 3D-printed place of worship being built in India

The 3D-printed temple is set to embark on an architectural revolution in the Nation.

3D-printed medical center from COBOD in Saraburi, Thailand

3D Printing | May 12, 2023

World’s first 3D-printed medical center completed

3D construction printing reached new heights this week as the world’s first 3D-printed medical center was completed in Thailand.

Sustainability | May 1, 2023

Increased focus on sustainability is good for business and attracting employees

A recent study, 2023 State of Design & Make by software developer Autodesk, contains some interesting takeaways for the design and construction industry. Respondents to a survey of industry leaders from the architecture, engineering, construction, product design, manufacturing, and entertainment spheres strongly support the idea that improving their organization’s sustainability practices is good for business.

University of Michigan’s DART Laboratory unveils Shell Wall 3D-printed concrete wall technology

3D Printing | Apr 11, 2023

University of Michigan’s DART Laboratory unveils Shell Wall—a concrete wall that’s lightweight and freeform 3D printed

The University of Michigan’s DART Laboratory has unveiled a new product called Shell Wall—which the organization describes as the first lightweight, freeform 3D printed and structurally reinforced concrete wall. The innovative product leverages DART Laboratory’s research and development on the use of 3D-printing technology to build structures that require less concrete.

3D Printing | Jan 12, 2022

Using 3D-printed molds to create unitized window forms

COOKFOX designer Pam Campbell and Gate Precast's Mo Wright discuss the use of 3D-printed molds from Oak Ridge National Lab to create unitized window panels for One South First, a residential-commercial high-rise in Brooklyn, N.Y.