• location: RESEARCH
• design: 2023
• completed: 2023
• design team: Juliette Bekkering Cristina Nan Neutelings Riedijk Architects Vertico

Together with Neutelings Riedijk Architects, TU Eindhoven’s Department of Architecture and Engineering and the specialised 3DCprinting company Vertico, Juliette Bekkering has explored the  possibilities of 3D concrete printing on double curved circular moulds. The research focused primarily on the technical feasibility of double-curved facades with filigree infill. It is a continuation of the ongoing research into 3DCP Juliette Bekkering has been doing in the past 7 years. With Cristina Nan the design proposals were translated into a series of so called 'lenses" .

Circular moulds made of sand

For a year, all parties involved investigated the architectural possibilities of 3DConcrete Printing (3DCP) on circular double-curved moulds. Central to this research was that both the architectural possibilities were explored, i.e. how the typical properties of the 3DCP technique can lead to an appealing image and a new expression in architecture, and the technique was developed to actually make it. Robots were used to make circular moulds of sand, formed into a double-curved bed on which the concrete elements were printed.

From raw material to fascinating expression

With 3DCP, unique patterns and decorations can be easily realised without labour-intensive processes and waste. We were fascinated by the possibility of printing filigree patterns, concrete-like lacework that can be used to create facades and translucent interior walls. A whole range of new architectural expressions can be created using this technique: a visual language that has been applied more often by Neutelings Riedijk Architects.

Methodology for circular construction

The research focuses on the need for circular construction, reducing the use of raw materials for concrete formwork and developing optimised strategies for pouring material to reduce the use of concrete. The research investigates the use of robotically formed sand formwork, through which it avoids the need for wooden scaffolding, plastic or foam-based formwork for pouring concrete.

The research was presented in detail during Dutch Design Week 2023 in Eindhoven.