3D Printed Portal: Concrete, Digital Geometry and the Redefinition of the Building Element

Abstract:

The paper presents a research object of a portal realized using the method of 3D printing of cement composite. The object serves as an experimental portal redefining the relationship between a building element and ornament. The form of the portal is generated by a Möbius transformation of part of the load-bearing wall. This transformation allows the basic structural logic of the wall to be converted into an ornamental layer without losing material logic and continuity. The load-bearing material of the object is a cement composite, optimized for robotic printing without formwork. Printing enabled the production of complex elements with high geometric precision. Thanks to digital control, the shape can be deconstructed into a precise printing trajectory, eliminating the human factor and streamlining production even for complex segments. The resulting object combines the structural and visual roles of the elements without the need for secondary division into load-bearing and aesthetic parts. The aim of the research is to verify the possibilities of robotic printing in the production of architectural elements from cement composite that transcend the traditional dichotomy of structure and decoration. The process shows that even highly individualized elements can be produced efficiently, repeatedly, and with material savings. Special attention is paid to detailed parameterization of the mold, surface quality, and layering during printing, which fundamentally affects the resulting mechanical and aesthetic properties. The paper offers a practical view of the application of robotic 3D concrete printing in architectural and engineering applications and its potential for transforming current construction approaches.

• Periodical: Advances in Science and Technology (Volume 176)
• Pages: 133-140
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/p-fkX6r9
• Online since: May 2026
• Authors: Michael Gabriel, Aleš Hvízdal, Oto Melter, Zuzana Auská*
• Keywords: 3D Printing, Building Element, Concrete, Möbius Transformation, Portal

References

[1] Čítek D., Bureš V., Melter O., Hvízdal A., Hurtig K., Suchomel J., Kolísko J.: Experimentální vývoj 3D tisku cementových kompozitů, In: BETON TKS Technologie, 2022, n. 1, pp.7-11, ISSN 1213-3116

[2] Čítek, D.; Řeháček, S.; Dobiáš, D.: Experimental Research on 3D Printed Construction from Cement Based Composites, In: Proceedings of 22nd International Multidisciplinary Scientific GeoConference SGEM 2022. Sofia: STEF92 Technology Ltd., 2022. vol. 22.

DOI: 10.5593/sgem2022/6.1/s27.30

[3] V. Bureš, D. Čítek, P. Zelený, R. Mendřický, Návrhy konstrukčních prvků s využitím cementového kompozitu tisknutého 3D technologií, Konstrukce, Ostrava, KONSTRUKCE Media, s.r.o., 2023, pp.24-28.

[4] J.Suchomel, V.Bureš, J.Válek, D.Čítek, J.Kolísko. Experimental development of 3D printing using cement composites, In:.Abstract book WMCAUS, (2022)

DOI: 10.1063/5.0170449

[5] Suchomel, V. Bureš Sequentional on-site Printing of Building Structures, In: VSB - Technical University of Ostrava, Conference Architecture in Perspective, (2022)

[6] Alkhalidi, A.; Hatuqay, D. Energy efficient 3D printed buildings: Material and techniques selection worldwide study. Journal of Building Engineering, 2020, vol. 30, p.101286. ISSN 2352-7102.

DOI: 10.1016/j.jobe.2020.101286

[7] Huang, S.; Xu, W.; Anton, A.; Dillenburger, B. Self-supporting lamellae: Shape variation methods for the 3D concrete printing of large overhang structures. Additive Manufacturing, 2024, vol. 91, pp.1-24.

DOI: 10.1016/j.addma.2024.104329