Qatar has officially commenced the world’s largest 3D printed construction project, marking a historic milestone in digital construction technology. The project involves constructing two 3D printed schools which is being done in partnership with Public Works Authority (Ashghal). The construction has officially begun marking the launch of the world’s largest construction development using 3D printing technology.
The project involves the construction of 14 public schools, including two built using 3D printing technology, each with a built-up area of 20,000 square metres — totalling 40,000 square metres. This massive undertaking represents a scale 40 times larger than any previously completed 3D printed building worldwide, setting new benchmarks for what is achievable through additive manufacturing in construction.
Two 3D Printed Schools using COBOD 3D Printers
The ambitious project relies on cutting-edge technology provided by COBOD, a Danish company recognised as a global leader in 3D construction printing. COBOD has supplied two custom BODXL printers, each measuring 50 meters long, 30 meters wide, and 15 meters high—comparable in size to a Boeing 737 hangar. These machines represent the largest construction printers currently in existence, demonstrating the unprecedented scale of Qatar’s commitment to construction innovation.
The BODXL printer—sized like a Boeing 737 hangar at 50m x 30m x 15m—is the first of two giant printers developed by Denmark’s COBOD International and operated by UCC Holding. The second identical printer is scheduled for installation later this month at the same site, which will double the printing capacity and accelerate project completion timelines. Each printer can construct structures up to five floors high with a footprint of 1,500 square metres, enabling rapid, precise, and sustainable building processes that were previously impossible with traditional construction methods.
The extensive preparation phase involved months of rigorous testing and development. Over the past eight months, this team conducted over 100 full-scale test prints using a BOD2 printer at a dedicated trial site in Doha, developing concrete mix designs, validating performance under local climate conditions, and engineering a custom print nozzle to ensure precision and smooth extrusion. This thorough testing process demonstrates the meticulous planning required to execute such an ambitious project successfully.
Architecture inspired by Qatar’s Desert Landscape
The architectural design of these schools represents a perfect marriage of form and function, drawing inspiration from Qatar’s natural environment. Architecturally, the schools are inspired by the natural desert formations of Qatar, with curved, flowing walls resembling sand dunes. This design approach would be prohibitively expensive or technically impossible using conventional construction methods, highlighting how 3D printing technology enables architects to realise previously unattainable design concepts.
Each of the two 3D printed schools is designed as a two-storey structure, situated on 100m x 100m plots, showcasing a scalable, sustainable model for educational infrastructure both in Qatar and across the region. The organic, parametric forms made possible by 3D printing technology create buildings that are not only aesthetically striking but also structurally sound and environmentally conscious.
The construction methodology offers significant environmental advantages over traditional building techniques. Compared to conventional construction methods, 3D printing offers multiple environmental, social, and economic advantages. It significantly reduces raw material waste and minimizes concrete usage, cutting carbon emissions. Additionally, on-site printing reduces transportation requirements and supply chain dependencies whilst dramatically accelerating project delivery timelines.
To optimise performance and accommodate Qatar’s challenging climate conditions, printing operations are scheduled at night to improve concrete performance and mitigate heat-related challenges—while also reducing dust, noise, and community disruption. This strategic approach ensures superior concrete performance whilst maintaining energy efficiency and worker safety standards.
The project aligns closely with Qatar National Vision 2030, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional construction practices. Beyond its ambitious dimensions, the project is in harmony with Qatar’s long-term sustainability objectives as outlined in the Qatar National Vision 2030, as it significantly minimises material waste and carbon emissions. The initiative demonstrates how advanced construction technologies can contribute to sustainable urban development goals whilst delivering high-quality infrastructure.
Training and knowledge transfer have been crucial components of the project’s success. In May 2025, the team completed intensive training alongside COBOD engineers, covering printer operation, print sequencing, structural layering strategies, and live quality control. This comprehensive training programme strengthens Qatar’s local capacity for high-tech construction methods and establishes the foundation for future projects utilising similar technologies.
The schools are expected to be completed by the end of 2025, representing a remarkably fast construction timeline for buildings of this scale and complexity. This project is also expected to qualify for a Guinness World Record, marking the largest structure created using 3D printing technology. The successful completion of this project will serve as a blueprint for large-scale 3D printed construction projects globally.
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