The company ICE is currently building the largest publicly accessible 3D-printed construction in Europe in the municipality of Kopřivná – a mountain station for a cable car. The project is based on a design by architecture firm ATELIER3M and uses ICE’s in-house 3D concrete printing technology (3DCP). The station blends organically into the mountain landscape and its shape is reminiscent of a large, naturally grown boulder.
The technical implementation is carried out using a patented print head system. “We use a special concrete mix with additives for accelerated curing,” explains ICE’s Technical Director. The print head applies the compound precisely layer by layer, forming both the structural and design elements.
The wall construction integrates several functional layers. In addition to the load-bearing structure, it contains thermal insulation and preformed elements for interior and exterior design. The outer structure consists of two differently designed stone surfaces – a waterproof, air-permeable lower section and a rock-like upper section.
The interior of the station is divided into two main areas: The technical area for the cable car technology and an elongated lounge with panoramic views of the surrounding area. The window openings have aluminum frames with integrated ventilation elements. A green roof and a viewing terrace complete the building.
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