One of the most striking objects at the Floriade Expo 2022 in Almere is presented by Qatar: a 3D printed modern version of the Burj al-Hamam. This ‘pigeon tower’ was designed by Dar & the Expo Pavillion group and printed by Saint-Gobain Weber Beamix in Eindhoven.
The Pigeon Tower
The 3D printed Burj al-Hamam pays tribute to the traditionally built pigeon towers in Qatar and is characterized by its special, architectural shape. During the migration season, the tower provides a shelter for more than a thousand pigeons. At the same time, it provides an ecological way of farming. Thanks to the clever construction, the pigeon droppings can be collected and used as fertilizer for local farms. Visitors to the Floriade can also get to know the 3D printed structure and construction inside and up close. Since many wild pigeons now gratefully use the tower, access is of course entirely at your own risk.
Groundbreaking design
The Burj al-Hamam was built without steel reinforcement or poured concrete. The 3D printed construction provides an automated way to build the design of the towers. To further reduce the CO2 footprint, Weber has considerably reduced the energy requirement of the production process and the amount of material. As a result, up to 60% less CO2 was emitted for the towers than with the traditional way of building. In this way, the Weber Beamix Concrete Print Factory has pushed the boundaries of concrete printing even further.
For more information about the 3D concrete printing factory of Saint-Gobain Weber Beamix BV, please contact:
Peter Paul Cornelissen
International 3D Project Manager
T: +31 (0)40 259 79 11
E-mail: peterpaul.cornelissen@saint-gobain.com
www.3d.weber
