Construction 3D printing technologies are being used to build myriad structures, from student housing blocks, to pedestrian bridges, to military bunkers. Soon, we will see 3D printing used to build a new parish church in Czechia. The project, to be the first of its kind, was recently given the blessing of the Archdiocese of Prague, who recognized the potential of the technology to build a place of worship with an innovative design and acoustics, while also bringing down building costs.
The plans for the 3D printed church were first unveiled before Christmas and have been in the works since fall 2024. The design for the Holy Trinity Church was conceived by prominent Czech architect Zdeňek Fránek and consists of an ark-like structure made up of 520 3D printed blocks, assembled like a puzzle. These blocks are generatively designed and are characterized by a wave-like structure that has an acoustic function. Another feature of the 3D printed structure is that it is designed to allow natural light in.
Manufacturing on Demand
(Image: Holy Trinity parish)
The 3D printed church will be built in Neratovice, an industrial town in central Czechia with a population of about 16,000. The town was founded by the communist regime in 1957 and has never had a church. The creation of the 3D printed structure is thus a significant one for locals in the Roman Catholic church, who have been trying to have a church built for decades. “If you say ‘Neratovice’, everyone thinks of a town of chemical industry full of chimneys,” the Holy Trinity website says. “The main square is formed by very high prefabricated buildings. A dignified dominant is missing. The new church should fulfill this role.”
“Any proposal for constructing a new church must go through our liturgical commission and be approved by our priests’ council, and this parish has been trying to build a place of worship since 1990,” elaborated Jirí Prinz, press secretary and head of communications of the Archdiocese of Prague. “It’s been common knowledge among laity and clergy that a church is needed here—so this project has had universal support from the beginning and the whole parish is happy about it.”
The construction of the church’s main nave has already begun and the whole project is expected to cost just under $10 million, a significant portion of which has been raised through donations. Not only is 3D printing enabling the construction of a church with a unique and interesting design, it is also expected to keep costs lower than had more traditional methods been employed. Moreover, the technology helps reduce concrete consumption substantially.
You might also like:
Shimizu Corporation develops spray-based 3D concrete printing:
* This article is reprinted from 3D Printing Media Network. If you are involved in infringement, please contact us to delete it.
Author: Tess Boissonneault
Leave A Comment