# Technology up close: Mini-excursion to Heidelberg

> URL: https://www.kurpfalz-internat.de/en/technology-up-close-mini-excursion-to-heidelberg  
> Language: en  
> Description: At the end of June, class 10b participated in a mini-excursion to Heidelberg in the subject of Technology. The goal was the largest 3D-printed building in Europe.

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*At the end of June, class 10b took part in a mini-excursion to Heidelberg as part of their technology class. The goal was the largest 3D-printed building in Europe – the*[“Wavehouse”](https://www.heidelbergmaterials.de/de/media/referenzobjekte/3d-gedrucktes-wavehouse) – on the site of the former Campbell Barracks.

**An innovative construction project**

The Wavehouse, completed in 2023, is a stand-alone data center designed by SSV Architects and Mense-Korte Engineers and realized by PERI 3D Construction using the COBOD BOD2 printer. With a length of about 54 m, a width of 11 m, and a height of 9 m, there is a gross floor area of nearly 600 m².

**Record-breaking printing time**

The entire shell was printed in just 170 hours – spread over about 30 days – supported by only two construction workers on site. A true pioneering achievement in Europe!

**Sustainability and Design**

The 3D printing concrete used comes from Heidelberg Materials. It is fully recyclable and according to the manufacturer, it has about 55% less CO₂ emissions than conventional Portland cement. The wave-shaped facade illustrates the design possibilities of the process – classic right angles are a thing of the past.

**Exciting impressions on site**

The students of 10B, accompanied by their technology teacher Ms. Meessen, received an informed insight into pressure-assisted construction on-site. They learned about the technical processes, such as how computer-controlled print heads apply concrete layer by layer and how interior and exterior walls are decoupled and then filled with in-situ concrete.

Particularly exciting were the explanations regarding the ecological and economic dimensions: Rapid construction progress, resource conservation, and recyclable building materials demonstrated how 3D printing can revolutionize construction processes.

**Glance into the future**

The excursion marked the conclusion of the 10th grade technology class and simultaneously provided an outlook on modern career fields in engineering. The combination of digitalization, sustainability, and high-end technology captivated the youth in a lasting way.

Conclusion: Class 10b experienced in Heidelberg how modern technology, sustainability, and creative architectural design come together – an inspiring excursion with a view towards the construction of tomorrow.