Could 3D printing be the future of housing?

Europe’s largest 3D printed housing project has been completed in Denmark, delivering multiple units faster and more sustainably. Specify & Build reports.

The 3D printing phase of Europe’s largest 3D printed housing project has been completed by 3DCP Group. The work will create 36 student apartments in Holstebro using COBOD’s BOD3 3D Construction Printer for NordVestBo. The project demonstrates how 3D construction printing can deliver multiple housing units at scale with higher productivity, speed, and sustainability compared to conventional construction methods. Skovsporet (“The Forest Trail”) brings this vision to life. 

Located near VIA University College’s Holstebro campus, the development features six buildings, each containing six student apartments that together form a connected 3D printed student house community.

Using the COBOD BOD3 3D Construction Printer, 3DCP Group printed 36 apartments ranging from 40 to 50m² (431-538ft²), totaling 1,654m² (17,804ft²) – a clear demonstration of how 3D construction printing can efficiently deliver multi-unit housing faster, more sustainably, and with greater design flexibility. By automating precision and speed, 3D construction printing enables faster and more accurate building processes. 

At Skovsporet, 3DCP Group used the COBOD BOD3 printer to achieve millimeter accuracy across all printed walls, operated by a three-person team. The BOD3’s ground-based track system, specifically designed for residential construction, allowed the printer to extend easily along the Y-axis, enabling uninterrupted printing of long wall sections.

Over the course of the project, printing productivity increased significantly. The first six units in the apartment building required several weeks to complete, while the final one was finished in only five days. This productivity gain demonstrates how 3D construction printing can scale efficiently, producing multiple housing units with consistent quality, lower labour requirements, and optimised project timelines.

Beyond productivity, the project also demonstrates how 3D printing supports sustainability both in material use and environmental integration. At Skovsporet, the 3D printed walls were made using D.fab concrete with FUTURECEM, a low-carbon cement developed by Aalborg Portland. 

Because the printing process deposits material only where it is structurally required, waste generation is significantly lower than in conventional construction. The project was also designed to respect its natural surroundings, with print beds carefully positioned between existing trees to preserve 95% of the site’s trees, a clear demonstration that advanced construction methods and sustainable design can coexist.

At Skovsporet, 3D construction printing expands architectural possibilities, creating homes that are both functional and inspiring. Designed by SAGA Architects, the project shows how 3D printing can be combined with traditional materials to create modern, practical spaces. The 3D printed walls form the foundation of the student apartments, each including a kitchen, study area, lounge, bathroom, and double bed. 

Large roof windows and slanted ceilings fill the units with natural light, creating open, inviting spaces. The six buildings are arranged around shared courtyards to encourage community living, while the use of coated plywood and glass complements the printed concrete to give each apartment a warm and distinct character. Beyond the homes, landscaped gardens, walking paths, and bicycle parking enhance the sense of community, making Skovsporet an example of how 3D printed construction combines flexibility, functionality, and livability.

Henrik Lund-Nielsen, Founder and General Manager of COBOD International, says: “The results at Skovsporet show how 3D construction printing can deliver large-scale projects faster and more efficiently than ever before. With the BOD3 printer, we achieved continuous improvements in productivity from one building to the next, confirming that the technology is ready for multi-unit residential developments. This project is a strong example of how automation impacts the speed of construction.”

Mikkel Brich, Co-Founder of 3DCP Group, adds: “Skovsporet proved that 3D construction printing can meet the strict requirements of subsidised housing while delivering high precision and productivity. As we deepened our understanding of the technology, we increased productivity from one building to the next, and are confident we can build even faster in future projects.“

With the 3D printing phase now complete, Skovsporet is now moving towards interior construction. When finished, the project will provide 36 affordable, high-quality student apartments. The Holstebro project confirms that 3D construction printing continues to meet modern housing needs at scale, and with proven speed, precision, and productivity, COBOD’s BOD3 technology is redefining how homes are built.

cobod.com/the-bod3