The Skovsporet project is currently considered the largest 3D printed housing project in Europe and is located in Denmark. A total of 36 student flats were built with remarkable speed, as the advanced technology allowed more than one flat to be printed per day.
Skovsporet was designed by SAGA Space Architects, in collaboration with 3DCP and COBOD. The project in the city of Holstebro was commissioned by NordVestBo, an affordable housing organisation, for a local university campus.
The project consists of six buildings, dividing a total of 36 student flats. It was built on site using a COBOD BOD3 3D printer, the successor to the BOD2 model used for VeroVistas, the largest 3D printed building in the world.
3D printing
The 3D printer sprayed a cement-like mixture in layers from a nozzle to create the basic structure of the flats. A blueprint for this was designed in advance. Thanks to the automated nature of the printing process, only three people were needed on site and progress could be significantly accelerated. Over the course of the project, print productivity increased significantly: printing time was reduced from several weeks for the first building with six flats to just five days for the last one, which amounts to more than one flat per day.
The student flats range in size from 40 to 50 m², with each unit including a kitchen, study area, living room, bathroom and a bedroom with a double bed. Large skylights maximise natural light and the interiors are done with coated plywood and glass to offset the bleakness of the concrete.
With the printing of the basic concrete structure, the flats are not yet finished - the finishing of the house, including the installation of windows, and the interior remains human work. Outside, landscaped gardens, walkways and bicycle parking are also added to create a student-friendly environment.
Skovsporet is expected to be completed in August 2026.
