Concrete Canoe 2019: Advancing 3D printing techniques
The 2019 Concrete Canoe was a significant step forward in 3D concrete printing for Vertico. As the second canoe in our experimental series, it was designed and produced specifically for a competitive race, which pushed both the material and the process further.
Speed, strength and smarter printing
Lighter, faster, smarter
The 2019 canoe built on lessons from the 2018 prototype. It introduced optimized printing techniques and more efficient use of material.
As a result, we reduced production time by 90% and cut the canoe's weight by 50%, while keeping its structural integrity and performance on the water.
A milestone in rapid prototyping
The project showed that 3D concrete printing can produce lightweight, high-performance structures, something traditionally considered incompatible with concrete.
It also proved that speed and efficiency do not have to come at the cost of durability or design freedom.
Beyond the canoe
The canoe was playful and competitive, but it also shows how fast digital fabrication was progressing. It points to wider uses of 3D concrete printing, from architecture and infrastructure to unconventional, high-performance design.
The series continued with later canoes such as the award-winning 2022 concrete canoe. Learn more about Vertico's work with universities and student teams.
Dive Into the new era of design with Vertico
Discover Vertico's state-of-the-art concrete 3D printing solutions that turn visionary ideas into reality.
