Posted on 03/25/2024 8:09:21 AM PDT by Twotone
A groundbreaking project has emerged in Heidelberg, Germany, which has welded architecture and technology together to create something that has never been done before. The nation has built Europe's largest 3D-printed building known as the Wave House, according to COBOD.
The new structure is reportedly a data center. The report mentioned that data centers are the backbone of today's digital world, but the buildings are often reduced to windowless buildings for security and operational reasons.
However, the push to bring these infrastructures into urban areas has forced designers to rethink their design approach. And it took COBOD just 140 hours to create the building using hands-free technology.
Fox News Digital reported that the Wave House "challenges the status quo with its visually arresting wave-designed walls — a feature that not only lends the building its name but also marks a significant departure from conventional data center aesthetics."
The primary way the Wave House has managed to raise the aesthetics of data centers is by making it into a wave structure, which was introduced by architects SSV and Mense Korte. Reports mentioned that the wave element to the building could not have been realized with traditional methods of building construction. Therefore, the designers decided to go with 3D-printed material.
Dr. Fabian Meyer-Brotz — managing director of PERI 3D Construction — said at the hand-over event: "We are very proud to have realized our largest building to date with this project. Not only because of the size of it, but in particular due to the special shape and the parametric design used, which documents the immense design freedom of COBOD’s technology."
Hans-Jorg Kraus — the managing partner of KRAUS GRUPPE Heidelberg — also commented on the building, saying: "I cannot tell you what it would cost if we had made the data center conventionally. 3D construction printing made this project economically viable."
Found and General Manager of COBOD International, Henrik Lund-Nielsen shared his optimism, saying: “This data center stands as a testament to the advanced capabilities of COBOD’s technology, demonstrating our technology’s’ possibility of delivering not just residential buildings, but also multi-story buildings and complex structures including office spaces, warehouses, and data centers."
The construction of the Wave House represents a significant advancement in the construction industry. Reports also noted that the Wave House marks a growing acceptance of 3D-printed architecture in mainstream applications.
COBOD — the company behind the technology — intends to automate at least 50 percent of building site processes moving forward. The company ensures efficiency gains and potentially restructuring the labor landscape in future construction.
The wave walls are more stable than traditional walls. Very sensible and practical design.
Thomas Jefferson built serpentine walls back in the 1700s that still stand today.
“hands-free technology”
This is BS.
It took several people to set up the 3D printer. To set up the scaffolding. To pour the concrete floor. To pour the concrete second floor. To assemble the membrane roof.
I have been watching several of these 3D printed housing projects over the last few years. The only thing they save is the wall framing and sheathing. You have to still frame out the window and door openings with wood. You have to change the way electricity and plumbing are put into the walls.
I just do not see how it is a benefit once you have to retrofit things later on. Plus, do you want the inside walls of your house to lock like a pair of corduroy pants from the 1960s?
They used to build round barns so the devil couldn’t hide in a corner...but I think we’re beyond that.
Try getting anything nonstandard approved by your local zoning board. Good luck.
It is really only a benefit if you are replacing a cinder block construction wall. Which there a now robots that will assemble a block wall too. Instead of having multiple human masons.
I could see these being practical in FL, or the SW US as a replacement for Adobe style construction. It would also be good in places that are prone to forest fires. Like California. I am not sure how they would handle an earthquake.
Exactly. You can see lots of labor at work in that video. Then all the power wiring, server racks, comms wiring, industrial cooling, insulation, backup power, fuel storage, HVAC, etc needs to go in. Maybe the shell of the building could save a couple of percent in total building costs.
Then, in the end, you have a butt-ugly building the neighbors hate.
Mass produced Brutalism.
2 minute time-lapse video of the construction at the site.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfWryED7Zrk&t=122s
There is a YouTube channel I subscribe to called The Build Show.
He is a builder down in Austin. His channel is sponsored by Builders First Source, Rock Wool, among others.
He has shown a few of these 3D wall projects on his show. Including the final results and reviews by the actual home owner.
There are good and bad points.
There will be riots by the illegal aliens building houses.
I assumed the pieces were printed at a factory and assembled on site. WRONG.
Wasn’t that amazing video? Just wow!
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