In Bezannes, France, the landscape of construction has been radically transformed. The completion of ViliaSprint², Europe’s largest 3D-printed apartment building, heralds a new chapter in housing innovation. Orchestrated by Plurial Novilia, designed by HOBO Architecture, and realized through PERI 3D Construction’s COBOD BOD2 printer, this endeavor defies traditional building paradigms.
The project features 12 social housing apartments spread over three floors, encompassing 800 square meters. Remarkably, these were printed on-site in just 34 days, significantly reducing the timeline from an estimated 50 days. Notably, ViliaSprint² stands as the first structure in France to transfer all loads through 3D-printed walls, eliminating conventional frameworks altogether.
Revolutionary design and sustainability
HOBO Architecture has embraced the technology’s unique possibilities, creating smooth curves and rounded geometry that traditional methods would make prohibitively expensive. The building’s timber balconies soften the industrial feel of its concrete form, integrating warmth into its modern design.
For another take on minimizing materials while maximizing design, explore how a sweeping timber roof revitalizes a village with innovative architecture.
Sustainability is inherent, not an afterthought, with the optimized shape reducing concrete usage by approximately 10%. Holcim’s TectorPrint concrete, featuring CO₂-reduced ECOPact ingredients, is reinforced with synthetic fibers to enhance sustainability. Perlite insulation, alongside 500 square meters of photovoltaic panels and a hybrid gas-heat pump from Atlantic Systèmes, achieves 60% energy self-sufficiency, aligning with France’s RE2020 2025 sustainability goals.
Discover more on the integration of eco-conscious technology in architecture through smart sensors ensuring safety in senior apartments.
Efficiency and the future of construction
Adjacent to this innovative building is its traditionally constructed twin, developed concurrently for real-time comparison. The 3D-printed version was completed three months faster, using only three workers to assemble the walls, compared to the conventional method’s need for six — a significant advantage amidst labor shortages.
Looking forward, Plurial Novilia aims to further advance this technology by planning the development of around 40 apartments utilizing two printers simultaneously, intending to cut production time by fourfold. ViliaSprint² is not just a milestone; it’s a testament to what’s possible, setting a precedent for future projects.
Source: yankodesign.com