In a groundbreaking fusion of technology and recreation, the city of Tauranga in New Zealand has unveiled the world's largest 3D-printed skate sculpture. This remarkable achievement, known as "Destination Skatepark," exemplifies the innovative use of 3D-printing technology combined with locally sourced materials and creative design.
Scrennshot from Website - Tauranga Destination Skatepark Hubba Ledges and Rail (Photo : Rich Landscapes)
City of Tauranga in New Zealand Unveils Destination Skatepark
The world's largest 3D-printed skate sculpture has been unveiled in Tauranga, New Zealand. It showcases cutting-edge 3D printing technology, local materials, and innovative design.
Named "Destination Skatepark," Interesting Engineering reported that this new state-of-the-art facility highlights the integration of skateboarding and advanced construction techniques. Central to the skatepark is "The Wave," a striking 3-meter-tall, 12-meter-long 3D-printed structure.
This project, led by QOROX, a leading concrete 3D printing company, marks a significant achievement in using additive manufacturing for public spaces.
According to Peter Fraser, the council's design lead, the skatepark is unparalleled in its scale, variety, and intricate designs, making it a unique addition to the global landscape of recreational spaces.
The highlight of the park is "The Wave," the world's largest 3D-printed skate sculpture, but its significance goes beyond its impressive size. The park also includes 3D-printed quarter pipes, ledges, and supports, showcasing various features.
QOROX utilized the CyBe RC (Robot Crawler), a mobile 3D concrete printer equipped with an ABB robotic arm mounted on a tracked vehicle to execute the project. This advanced setup is highly maneuverable, enabling the creation of large structures directly on-site, regardless of the terrain.
Destination Skatepark has established a new benchmark in an era of paramount environmental concerns. QOROX selected materials specifically to minimize the project's carbon footprint.
The company used CyBe's Power Pack concrete mixture along with its own Q-Ink mortar, enabling 80% of the materials to be sourced locally and thus reducing transportation emissions.
This specialized mix also achieved a 30% reduction in carbon emissions compared to traditional concrete methods. QOROX has been a leader in 3D concrete printing in New Zealand since 2018. Its impressive portfolio includes innovative projects such as the Paremoremo House, the region's largest 3D-printed residential structure.
The Paremoremo House project, which spans 252 square meters, showcases the capabilities of 3D printing technology in creating entire living spaces. Designed with features for flood and earthquake resistance, it stands as a climate-resilient 3D-printed structure situated in a vulnerable area.
Amid pressures on the construction industry to minimize environmental impact, projects like Destination Skatepark provide a vision of a sustainable future. QOROX and its collaborators are paving the way for developers by integrating 3D-printing technology with locally sourced materials and innovative design approaches.
The introduction of the Tauranga skatepark suggests a future where 3D-printed structures could become commonplace in urban landscapes, appearing in public recreational spaces and residential neighborhoods.
