Once completed, the iconic commercial building by real estate company KRAUSGRUPPE – around 54 metres long, 11 metres wide and 9 metres high – will house a data centre. Project partner PERI 3D Construction is creating the outer walls and partitions of the future data centre with its 3D construction printer. Heidelberg Materials supplies around 450 tonnes of i.tech 3D for the project, a material developed specifically for 3D concrete printing that is 100% recyclable. The mineral building material contains a binder with a carbon footprint around 55% lower than classic Portland cement.
"We are pleased to be part of this innovative project and to further develop 3D concrete printing as a particularly resource-efficient construction method with our partners," says Dr Nicola Kimm, member
of the managing board of Heidelberg Materials and chief sustainability officer." Together we show that sustainability and digitalisation go hand in hand. At Heidelberg Materials, innovative and sustainable products like i.tech 3D and the development of digital business models are essential
elements of our sustainability strategy."
By 2030, Heidelberg Materials will offer circular alternatives for half of its concrete products worldwide. 3D printed products are an integral part of the portfolio. The company provides high-quality products and technical know-how to architects, engineers, manufacturers of 3D printers, and builders who want to realise buildings or concrete elements using 3D printing.
i.tech 3D was already used to print the first residential buildings in Germany in 2020. Since then, Heidelberg Materials has further developed the building material and reduced its CO2 content.
Through appropriate design planning, the 3D printing process allows for up to 70% less material consumption than conventional construction methods and, thus, a further CO2 reduction.
The process also increases the speed and productivity of the construction process and makes construction sites safer through lower dust and noise emissions and reduced use of tools.
