UrbaCon Holding (UCC), a leading Qatari construction company, and Denmark’s COBOD, the world’s leading manufacturer of 3D concrete printers, have signed a contract to supply the world’s largest third-generation 3D printers, which will be used to build model schools in Qatar.
The signing ceremony took place this morning in Doha, between Mr. Ramez Al Khayat, Chairman of UCC Holding, and Mr. Henrik Lund-Nielsen, CEO and Founder of COBOD, along with a number of officials from both sides.
UrbaCon Holding UCC and COBOD will collaborate to build schools using third-generation 3D printers, covering a total area of 40,000 square meters, setting a Guinness World Record for the largest 3D-printed buildings in the world.
The project places a high priority on sustainability, with COBOD’s advanced 3D printing technology specifically designed to reduce material waste and improve efficiency, resulting in reduced concrete consumption, a critical factor in reducing the carbon footprint of the construction process. By using 3D printing, the schools will be built with fewer raw materials while ensuring structural integrity, making the construction process environmentally friendly.
COBOD technology also enables the automated construction of concrete buildings and structures through improved designs that enhance the efficiency of concrete and reinforcement use, which is in line with the State of Qatar’s goals for sustainable development according to Qatar National Vision 2030.
Mr. Moataz Al Khayyat, Chairman of UrbaCon Holding UCC, expressed his pride in this important partnership, saying: “The partnership with COBOD is a qualitative leap not only for the construction sector in Qatar, but also globally. We always strive to adopt the latest technologies that contribute to achieving sustainability and efficiency in our operations, and this project is part of our commitment to achieving Qatar National Vision 2030. Through this advanced technology, we are setting new standards for sustainable construction, and contributing to reducing the environmental impact of our operations.”
For his part, Mr. Ramez Al Khayat, Chairman of UrbaCon Holding Company (UCC), stressed the importance of this step for the company and the construction sector in general, saying: “This partnership with COBOD represents a significant step forward for the construction sector in Qatar and the world. Adopting technology in all fields is a fundamental element of our corporate strategy, and adopting advanced construction methods contributes to reducing the project’s need for labor, improving the quality of work, reducing waste, shortening project implementation time, reducing the use of materials, in addition to reducing carbon emissions, thus preserving the environment.”
“Our partnership with UCC and the Education Buildings project represents an exceptional leap forward for the construction industry, moving it years ahead in terms of technology use, project size and goals towards a more sustainable future,” said Henrik Lund-Nielsen, CEO and Founder of COBOD.
Under the agreement, COBOD will provide consultancy on the design, manufacturing, installation and supervision of concrete printers. COBOD will also provide on-site training and technical support to UCC to ensure the 3D printing process is carried out efficiently.
Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2025, and COBOD’s third-generation 3D printers will ensure a smooth and efficient implementation process. Each school will consist of two floors, with an area of 100 x 100 meters. COBOD’s BOD XL printers will reach a standard size, each measuring 50 meters long, 30 meters wide and 15 meters high. The printers will operate at the highest possible printing speed, ensuring the project is completed as quickly as possible while maintaining the highest standards of safety and sustainability.