“Tomorrow’s Building” will be built at the University of Patras with the most modern technology and will function as an innovative entrepreneurship hub for young scientists.
A revolution in the building construction industry is about to take place soon at the University of Patras, where the first building in Greece will be erected using the 3D printing method.
A few days ago, the University of Patras announced the signing of a memorandum of cooperation with the Heraklis Group for the construction of an experimental ground floor structure, using modern technologies and innovative materials within the University Campus.
For the construction of the building, the robotic 3D Concrete Printing technology will be applied for the first time in Greece on a real scale.
3D Printing technology is relatively new to construction. It is a method of additive manufacturing in which objects are manufactured through the successive addition of superimposed layers of material, while it is characteristic that despite the fact that in its first steps it mainly used plastic as a raw material, it has now added to its “quiver” various metals, and recently even cement for the construction of buildings.
Put in a few hours
The construction of a building with a printer can be done in a few hours, i.e. in record time and in layers using a special cement mixture. The reduction of required personnel and the reduction of costs for the use of materials makes 3D printed buildings much more economical.
Multiple benefits
As Panagiotis Dimopoulos, vice-chancellor for Research and Development of the University of Patras, told “P”, the new building will change the Patras University Campus, providing the infrastructure for young scientists to develop innovative business ideas, as it will act as a hub for innovative entrepreneurship for young scientists.
Its manufacturing technology is applied for the first time in Greece and the high degree of digitization and automation allows:
- Design flexibility – The construction of complex highly curved structures becomes possible
- Construction speed – Construction time is reduced by at least half, which is confirmed by pilot and commercial applications (laying speed over 0.3 meters/second)
- Reduced waste – Material discard due to failure is reduced, thereby enabling the construction’s environmental footprint to be improved
- Reduction of labor costs
The structure will be demonstrative in the context of promoting the principles of sustainable development and responsible entrepreneurship in the light of the circular economy and will be used as a cradle for start-ups.
In the context of the cooperation memorandum, the Heraklis Group intends to provide the construction materials free of charge and to cover the costs for the study and construction of the structure.
Minimal footprint
The building will be designed, constructed and operated aiming for the minimum environmental footprint in its life cycle. Guided by the principles of the circular economy, modern low carbon footprint building materials with a high content of recyclables, high energy saving and high added value building materials will be used.
Charalambos Kouris, general director of Sustainable Development of the Herakles Group, said: “We are happy to announce today the signing of a memorandum of cooperation with the University of Patras, for the design and construction of a modern and sustainable structure, which will support young scientists in their innovative work and start-up entrepreneurship in our country.
The project will be implemented with the sponsorship of the Herakles Group and aspires to provide the students of the University of Patras with opportunities to osmosis their research activity with innovative entrepreneurship, contributing to the strengthening of the domestic start-up business ecosystem”.
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