Holcim unveils Phoenix, a special bridge made using a 3D printer and 10 tons of recycled materials. They worked with other groups like Block Research Group at ETH Zurich and Zaha Hadid Architects Computation and Design Group to create this sustainable bridge. Phoenix uses a unique concrete ink developed by Holcim that includes recycled materials. Read SURFACES REPORTER (SR)’s complete report on this below:
The project is a big step forward in making construction more eco-friendly and was showcased at Holcim's Innovation Hub in Europe. The idea for Phoenix came partly from reusing materials from the original Striatus bridge, which was the first 3D-printed concrete bridge without reinforcement, introduced in 2021 at the Venice Biennale of Architecture. Edelio Bermejo, Head of Global R&D at Holcim, said that Phoenix shows that we can design and build important structures in a way that is eco-friendly and circular right now."
Innovation meets circular design
Phoenix blends innovation and circular design for a greener infrastructure. Circular construction, with computational design and 3D printing, achieves a remarkable 50% material reduction without compromising strength. Designed on circular principles, Phoenix relies on compression, eliminating reinforcement, and features easily disassembled, recyclable blocks.
Philippe Block of ETH Zurich highlights the historical masonry arch principles applied for sustainability. Shajay Bhooshan of Zaha Hadid Architects commends Phoenix as a significant tech milestone, while Johannes Megens of incremental3D notes its reduced carbon footprint. Using ECOCycle® technology, Holcim aims to scale up Phoenix for broader use in sustainable infrastructure."
Project Details
Project Name: Phoenix
Designers: Holcim in collaboration with Block Research Group at ETH Zurich, Zaha Hadid Architects Computation and Design Group, and incremental3D
Year: 2023
Info and images courtesy: ZHA