3D Printing builds new schools in Ukraine

The devastation that comes with any conflict can tear communities apart. Normality is destroyed and comforts are lost. Many are currently facing this reality in Ukraine, especially the youth of the country, as it has been reported that over 2000 schools have been damaged and about 277 have been demolished because of the war. Could 3D printing help?

As a result, the construction industry needs to find quicker ways to rebuild communities, to help bring back a sense of normality. COBOD think they have the solution.

3D Printed Schools

COBOD are a world leader in 3D printing technology, with +65 printers sold worldwide. They are also not new to this style of construction, completing Europe’s first building in 2017 out of 3D printed materials.

COBOD’s mission is to build smarter through multifunctional construction robots based on 3Dprinting technology and COBOD’s vision is to automate minimum 50% of construction processes on building sites. All leading to better, faster, cheaper and more sustainable construction than conventional concrete. We constantly strive to reduce the co2 footprint of 3D printed concrete.

As a result, they’re building schools in Ukraine out of their method to help elevate the current issues faced by the country.

The first 3D printed school in Ukraine

By introducing 3D printing technology into the construction process, the project initiators aim to expedite the creation of educational facilities and lay the foundation for the reconstruction of housing and vital infrastructure throughout Ukraine.

Jean-Christophe Bonis, founder and chairman of the Team4UA humanitarian foundation, shared his perspective on the initiative: “The school construction project based on 3D printing technology is designed to provide access to education for children affected by the full-scale war in Ukraine, as well as to create an inclusive space for internally displaced children in Lviv. Destroyed schools and other educational institutions deprive the younger generation of the opportunity to receive a quality education, which can have a negative impact on their future and the future of the state. Innovative solutions will help to overcome this problem right now, more efficiently and much faster – just see how much have been done here in just 3-4 days of printing. Virtually half of the printing is already complete.”

The primary school is being built on the premises of the existing school number 23 and will serve as a beacon of hope for internally displaced children affected by the full-scale war. The one-story school building, spanning an area of 370 m2 will provide a nurturing environment for the young learners. The architect chose to clearly show that the building has been 3D printed by opting not to print with COBOD’s flaps technology, enabling the printing of very smooth walls. Also, remarkably, 90% of the construction materials will be locally produced, further stimulating the economy and empowering the community. In fact, 99% of the materials for the 3D printed concrete has been sourced at low cost locally.

This pioneering endeavor to construct the first 3D printed school in Europe embodies the resilience and determination of the Ukrainian people to rebuild their nation and ensure a brighter future for the next generation. It represents a turning point in the reconstruction efforts and offers a blueprint for leveraging cutting-edge technology to address urgent societal challenges.

Henrik Lund-Nielsen, Founder & General Manager of COBOD said: “We are proud to have delivered the technology that makes this project possible. The proud people of Ukraine deserve all the support we can provide, and I am happy we have been able to donate all what we have been doing in this project for free. Out of the respect for the impressive fighting will Ukraine has shown on behalf of all of the rest of Europe and the rest of the democratic world, this is the least we could do”.