Concrete Canoe 2019: Advancing 3D printing techniques

Speed, Strength, and Smarter Printing

The 2019 Concrete Canoe project marked a significant advancement in 3D concrete printing technology for Vertico. As the second iteration of our experimental canoe series, this version was designed and produced specifically for a competitive race, pushing both material and process to the next level.

Lighter. Faster. Smarter.

Building on lessons from our 2018 prototype, the 2019 canoe introduced optimized printing techniques and more efficient use of materials. As a result, we reduced production time by 90% and cut the canoe’s weight by 50%, all while maintaining structural integrity and performance on the water.

A Milestone in Rapid Prototyping

This project clearly demonstrated the potential of 3D concrete printing to create lightweight, high-performance structures—a concept traditionally thought incompatible with concrete. It proved that speed and efficiency don’t have to come at the cost of durability or design freedom.

Beyond the Canoe

While playful and competitive in nature, the 2019 canoe stands as a testament to rapid technological progress in digital fabrication. It offers a glimpse into the wider possibilities for 3D concrete printing—from architecture and infrastructure to unconventional, high-performance design.

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