3D printing of houses: UCC Holding buys 3D printing system from COBOD

UCC Holding, a leading construction and infrastructure company in Qatar, has signed a contract with COBOD, the leading Danish manufacturer of 3D printers for concrete, to supply the world’s largest third-generation 3D printers. These will be used for the construction of schools in Qatar.

The project aims to set a Guinness World Record for the largest 3D-printed building. In addition to the construction work itself, sustainability is at the centre of the collaboration. By using COBOD printers, the consumption of materials, especially concrete, can be significantly reduced. This helps to reduce the ecological footprint of the construction process, as fewer raw materials are required and CO2 emissions are reduced as a result.

Mr. Moutaz Al Khayyat, Chairman of UCC Holding, commented, “This partnership with COBOD is a significant leap for the construction sector, not only in Qatar but globally. We always strive to adopt the latest technologies that contribute to sustainability and efficiency in our operations, and this project is aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030. Through this technology, we are setting new benchmarks in sustainable construction and helping to reduce the environmental impact of our work.”

COBOD’s printers enable automated concrete construction, optimising the use of both concrete and steel reinforcement.

Mr. Ramez Al Khayyat, President of UCC Holding, emphasized, “This partnership with COBOD represents a major advancement for the construction sector in Qatar and worldwide. By integrating advanced construction methods, we reduce labor requirements, improve quality, minimize waste, shorten project timelines, reduce material usage, and cut carbon emissions, all of which contribute to environmental preservation.”

Construction work on the two schools is due to start in 2025. Each school will consist of a two-storey building with a footprint of 100 x 100 metres. Two BOD XL printers from COBOD will be used, which are a record-breaking size at 50 metres long and 15 metres high. These printers are designed to enable a fast construction time without compromising on safety and environmental compatibility.

Henrik Lund-Nielsen, CEO and Founder of COBOD, added: “This collaboration with UCC Holding for the schools project is a significant advancement for the construction industry, pushing the boundaries of technology, project scale, and sustainability. 3D printing allows us to reduce waste, minimize material use, decrease CO2 emissions, and build in an environmentally responsible way.”