Qatar is breaking new ground in construction technology, embarking on an ambitious project to build the world’s largest 3D-printed schools using colossal printers, each reportedly the size of a Boeing 737 hangar. This pioneering initiative is set to revolutionize educational infrastructure and cement Qatar’s position at the forefront of sustainable and rapid construction.
The monumental undertaking involves the construction of two public schools, with each covering an impressive 20,000 square meters, for a combined total of 40,000 square meters. This scale is said to be 40 times larger than any previously 3D-printed building in the world, marking an unprecedented leap in additive construction.
To achieve this feat, UCC Holding, in partnership with Qatar’s Public Works Authority (Ashghal), has deployed two custom-built BODXL printers from Danish company COBOD, a global leader in 3D construction printing. These printers are truly gargantuan, measuring 50 meters long, 30 meters wide, and 15 meters high – dimensions comparable to that of a single-aisle Boeing 737 aircraft hangar.
“This project is a testament to our vision for future-ready infrastructure and our commitment to innovation and sustainability,” stated a spokesperson for UCC Holding. “Using these massive 3D printers allows us to build with incredible speed, precision, and significantly reduced material waste, while also incorporating unique architectural designs inspired by Qatar’s desert landscape.”
The schools are designed as two-story structures, featuring curved, flowing walls that would be challenging and costly to achieve with traditional construction methods. The 3D printing process involves extruding a specialized, custom-engineered concrete mixture in layers, building up the structure with remarkable efficiency. To combat Qatar’s intense daytime heat, the printing operations are often conducted overnight, ensuring optimal material curing and project timelines.
The project is part of a larger plan to build 14 new public schools in Qatar, with these two 3D-printed facilities serving as a global benchmark for what’s possible in large-scale automated construction. Expected to be completed by the end of 2025, these schools are poised to set new records and demonstrate a scalable model for educational and public infrastructure worldwide, highlighting the transformative power of additive manufacturing.
