In the construction sector, 3D printing has been implemented in various projects as a solution to problems related to time, labor, and materials. Just last year, the city of Prague made headlines for its floating 3D-printed house. The capital city is making a splash once again, this time because of an upcoming 3D printed civic amenity. The first 3D printed parkour playground is underway in Prague, and it will be made from recycled concrete. As part of its initiative to support innovation, the Building Society Stavební spořitelna Česká spořitelna (Buřinka) is partnering with several construction partners to bring the project to life. The playground is set to open by the end of September 2021.
As in many nations across the globe, the Czech Republic is also facing a construction crisis caused by mounting issues such as trade workers shortage, lack of automation, and rapidly rising prices of materials. Thanks to 3D printing, this project will be one of many that are a part of the Innovation by Buřinka initiative which is targeting affordable development. “Housing does not mean just four walls. It is also essential to have the possibility to spend free time outdoors, safely, close to home. There are many playgrounds for preschoolers, but older children don´t have many options, so we decided to use innovative 3D printing technology to create a parkour playground. At the same time, we want to confirm the benefits of using recycled concrete“, explains Libor Vošický, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Building Society Stavební spořitelna Česká spořitelna.
3D printed parkour playground made with recycled concrete.
3D Printing Civic Infrastructure
The 3D printed parkour playground will measure 14×12 m in size. The developers will use cast rubber throughout the impact area, with each obstacle being constructed on a frame printer in collaboration with the company 3Deposition, and made with a combination of material from Master Builders Solutions CZ that is poured with concrete for increased safety and durability. Recycled concrete, manufactured by Skanska, will be used for the foundation of the playground. While it is true concrete is a very polluting material, producing 70 kg of CO2 per ton, it continues to be one of the most used resources in construction. However, that could change as the 3D printing industry in general is working towards replacing traditional concrete with more sustainable material.
The parkour playground will serve as a model for how to implement future projects. “Long-term professional study and development of 3D printing at BUT led us to establish a spin-off company 3Deposition. In cooperation with Buřinka, we are now bringing 3D printing closer to people, we are creating the way for other enthusiasts,” says David Škaroupka, an executive at 3Deposition.
An example of 3D printing concrete, a technique that is increasingly used in the construction sector (photo credits: GE Renewable Energy/LafargeHolcim/COBOD)
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Cover Photo Credit: Rodrigo Ardilha via Unsplash