In a landmark move for the construction industry, Qatar-based UCC Holding has commenced the 3D printing phase for two public schools, a project described as the world’s largest of its kind. The initiative is a collaborative effort with the Public Works Authority (Ashghal).
The two schools will have a combined built-up area of 40,000 square meters, making the project forty times larger than the biggest 3D-printed building constructed to date, according to a statement from UCC Holding. Each two-story school will be built on a 100×100 meter plot.
This project is part of a broader Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement for the Qatar Schools Development Programme, which encompasses a total of 14 schools. The specific agreement for this second package was finalized between UCC Holding and Ashghal in March 2024.
To accomplish this ambitious task, two massive BODXL printers, supplied by Denmark’s COBOD, are being used. These printers, measuring 50 meters long, 30 meters wide, and 15 meters high, are among the largest globally and are comparable in size to a Boeing 737 hangar.
The start of the printing follows an intensive eight-month preparation period. A dedicated team of experts conducted over 100 full-scale test prints in Doha to perfect the concrete mix for local weather conditions and to develop a custom nozzle for smooth material application. This preparatory phase also included an intensive training program in May 2025 with COBOD engineers on printer operation and quality control.
The completion of the two 3D-printed schools is anticipated by the end of 2025.
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