14/07/2025
CONCR3DE participated in SLOTLAB, a research project exploring innovative construction techniques inspired by traditional crafts and building trades. The source of inspiration is the reconstruction of Schaesberg Castle, a castle ruin from the 17th century in Landgraaf, the Netherlands.
SLOTLAB forged a connection between designers, the construction industry and education in five ‘mirroring projects'. Each project aimed to recreate a specific part of Schaesberg Castle, focusing on the circular use of local materials. Among the five parts of the SLOTLAB project, CONCR3DE contributed to two key areas: the roof tiles and of fireplace prostheses.
Daria Biryukova (Studio Mixtura) developed an innovative modular slate for the roof of Schaesberg Castle as an alternative to the traditional slate. The conventional production process of slate is very inefficient and unsustainable: of 100% material from the quarry, only 3% is sold as slate on the market. The material is very brittle and easily broken during extraction. Daria’s new material utilizes slate waste and other mineral residues sourced locally in the Netherlands, including old scrap slates. We, at CONCR3DE, used this material to print the tiles, showing the incredibly broad compatibility of our 3D printers.
We then collaborated with Thom Schreuder to shorten production chains for fireplace components, utilizing sawdust from the Kunrader Steengroeve quarry. Together with 3DMZ | 3D Makers Zone, which has a lot of expertise in 3D scanning and printing for restorations, CONCR3DE brought to life the fireplace prostheses, developing a local and circular approach to heritage preservation.
Thanks to SLOTLAB, we were able to combine 3D printing technology with traditional craftsmanship and sustainability. Our Armadillo White 3D printer (https://concr3de.com/product-armadillo-white.php), a fully open binder jetting system, was instrumental in this. Its customizable hardware, open material platform, and accessible software allow for printing with virtually any material.
If you want to know more about the SLOTLAB project, please visit: https://www.materialsenselab.org/slotlab
Would you like to know what our technology can do for you? Contact us: https://concr3de.com/contact-us.php
