In a groundbreaking achievement for the 3D construction printing industry, PERI 3D Construction has successfully finished Europe’s largest 3D printed building – the Wave House data center in Heidelberg, Germany. This industrial marvel represents a significant milestone as one of the world’s first and largest structures created using 3D construction printing technology.
The completion of the project was celebrated at an opening ceremony a few weeks ago, where the keys were officially handed over to the new occupants, IT Heidelberg. The event was attended by project partners, the mayor, and various media representatives.
Data centers, typically devoid of windows and large openings for safety and operational reasons, often lack visual appeal. With a growing trend to place data centers closer to users in suburban areas and cities, the challenge arose to make these facilities more aesthetically pleasing. The architects, SSV and Mense Korte, addressed this challenge in the Heidelberg project by incorporating a wave design into the walls, leading to the building being named “The Wave House.” The unconventional design was made possible by leveraging the design freedom offered by 3D construction printing technology.
Dr. Fabian Meyer-Brötz, managing director of PERI 3D Construction, expressed pride in the project, emphasizing the unique shape and parametric design achieved with COBOD’s technology. The building, measuring 600 m2 (approximately 6,600 SF), with dimensions of 54m (177 ft) in length, 11m (36 ft) in width, and 9m (30 ft) in height, saw its walls printed in just 140 hours, showcasing the remarkable efficiency of 4 square meters per hour.
Hans-Jörg Kraus, managing partner of KRAUS GRUPPE Heidelberg, highlighted the cost-efficiency achieved through 3D construction printing, stating that it made the project economically viable compared to conventional construction methods.
Henrik Lund-Nielsen, Founder and General Manager of COBOD International, expressed excitement about the data center’s completion, emphasizing how it showcases the advanced capabilities of COBOD’s technology, demonstrating its potential for delivering complex structures beyond residential buildings.
Source: cobod.com, newatlas.com