Europe’s Largest 3D-Printed Apartment Completed in Just 34 Days

## Europe’s Largest 3D-Printed Apartment Building: A Leap Forward in Sustainable Construction

This article details the completion of ViliaSprint², Europe’s largest 3D-printed apartment building in France. The project demonstrates the potential of additive manufacturing in social housing, delivering 12 units across three floors with speed and efficiency.

It highlights the on-site printing process, the materials used, and the sustainable features integrated into the design. The article also compares these innovations to traditional construction methods.

The ViliaSprint² Project: A New Era of Building

The ViliaSprint² project marks a significant milestone for 3D printing technology in construction. With the successful completion of Europe’s largest 3D-printed apartment building, the project shows that large-scale additive construction is possible and beneficial for addressing housing needs quickly and sustainably.

On-Site Printing: Precision and Speed

The core structural shell and all internal walls of the ViliaSprint² building were 3D printed directly on site. This approach reduces logistical challenges related to transporting large pre-fabricated components.

• Technology at Play: PERI 3D Construction used the COBOD BOD2 printer, a reliable model proven in other 3D concrete projects. This technology ensures precise and consistent results throughout the printing process.
• Material Innovation: A specialized cementitious mix from Holcim formed the building blocks of the structure. The formulation of this material is essential for strength, durability, and printability.
• Record-Breaking Speed: The structural components were printed in just 34 days, well under the initial projection of 50 days. A team of three operators managed this fast-paced process, highlighting the efficiency of 3D printing technology.

After the 3D printing phase, the remaining construction elements were completed using conventional methods. This hybrid approach allowed for the integration of essential components and finishes.

• Conventional Integration: The roof, windows, electrical wiring, and all finishes were completed with established building techniques. This ensures a fully functional living space.
• Timeline: Conventional construction tasks began in March 2025, and the project was fully finished in early 2026. This schedule demonstrates a streamlined project delivery.

Design Freedom and Economic Advantages

3D printing in construction allows for complex and unique designs that are difficult and costly with traditional methods. The ViliaSprint² building highlights these design possibilities.

• Curved Facades and Rounded Floorplans: The building features a distinctive curved facade and rounded floorplans. These elements are possible due to the layer-by-layer deposition of concrete, removing the need for traditional formwork.
• Cost-Effectiveness of Complex Shapes: Printing intricate shapes without complex molds reduces labor costs and material waste, making advanced designs more accessible.

Environmental and Energy Efficiency

Sustainability was central to the design and construction of ViliaSprint². Several features were included to reduce environmental impact and improve energy performance.

• Reduced Transport Emissions: On-site concrete production minimized the need for long-distance transport, cutting carbon emissions.
• Optimized Concrete Usage: The printed formwork design saved about 10% of concrete volume, reducing material waste.
• Perlite Insulation: The building uses perlite insulation in its walls, a sustainable material with excellent thermal properties.
• Energy Self-Sufficiency: With 500 m² of photovoltaic panels and a hybrid gas/heat pump system, the building achieves around 60% energy self-sufficiency. This meets France’s strict RE2020 environmental standards.
• Comfortable Living Spaces: The interior provides about 800 m² of living space. Each of the 12 apartments includes a private balcony, improving residents’ quality of life.

A Clear Advantage Over Conventional Building

The efficiency and benefits of 3D printing become clear when compared to a conventionally built structure nearby.

• Comparative Construction Time: Plurial Novilia, the developer behind ViliaSprint², also built a similar building using traditional methods. This conventional building took three months longer to complete, showing the significant time savings of 3D printing.
• Future Ambitions: Encouraged by these results, the developer and partners are planning a larger project with about 40 apartments. They plan to use two printers at once, which could reduce printing time by four times.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Record-breaking apartment building 3D printed in just 34 days