Smarter Concrete Foundations with 3D Printing and Parametric Design

Reimagining Concrete Foundations with Parametric Design

Together with VolkerWessels, we developed a 3D printed concrete foundation block that does what traditional blocks do — support load — but with a lot less weight, waste, and complexity.
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Instead of pouring concrete into a standard mold, we used parametric design to rethink the shape from the inside out. The block was digitally optimized to use material only where it was structurally needed. No more. No less.
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The result? Up to 75% less material — with the same performance.

Why 3D Printed Foundations Matter in Sustainable Construction

Traditional foundations are slow. They require formwork, curing time, transportation, and a lot of concrete. Our approach cuts through all of that:

• Material Efficiency: Smarter geometry means less waste.
• Speed: What usually takes weeks, we can print in days.
• Sustainability: We even reused excavated soil in the design process.
• Mobility: Because it’s printed on-site, there’s no need for large transports or heavy lifting. It’s not just cleaner. It’s smarter.

Real-World Benefits of Parametric Concrete Printing

This wasn’t a showpiece — it was built to be used. The project ran on real construction timelines, and the process was designed to be scalable. We see this kind of design working well for smaller-scale construction, modular builds, and projects where material use and logistics are major constraints.

A Look Ahead: Future-Ready Foundation Design

This is a glimpse of what’s possible when design freedom meets construction logic. And while not every foundation needs to be 3D printed, we believe that rethinking the basics — like the foundation — is key to building a better future. One where we waste less, build smarter, and leave a lighter footprint.
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Curious how 3D printing can fit into your project? check out our print technology for more.