3D Printed Facade Becomes Eye-Catching Part of Amsterdam Shopping Street

In the Netherlands, traditional craftsmanship has met innovative technology in an unexpected place. Rotterdam-based studio RAP has taken on the task of designing a façade for a boutique in Amsterdam. And this is not just any boutique, but a luxury boutique in the popular shopping street P.C. Hooftstraat. The façade itself, which is currently still under construction, was produced entirely using additive manufacturing. Soon, ceramic tiles and red bricks from the 3D printer will give the facade a new shine. The design not only replicates the original façade, but also fits perfectly into the overall concept of the shopping street.

studio RAP is an architecture firm that focuses particularly on innovative digital manufacturing methods. This made it a clear choice for the Dutch company to consider the usage of additive manufacturing in the creation of this façade. The goal was to be able to design, manage, build and improve architecture in an innovative way. In doing so, the architecture firm hopes to inspire people around the world with the contemporary expression of digital craftsmanship through its state-of-the-art manufactured façade, which is scheduled for completion in the summer of 2022. The use of additive manufacturing thus also makes it possible to reinterpret historical classics in an exciting way. What’s particularly exciting is that the algorithmically designed façade is being made in-house at studio RAP using a large-format 3D printer from manufacturer KUKA.

The façade impresses especially with its algorithmically designed design (photo credits: studio RAP)

A Whole New Way to Make Façades

The design of the 3D-printed facade is strongly reminiscent of a knitted look, like that of clothing. No wonder that thus the entire building is particular eye-catching for passers-by, strongly differentiating itself from surrounding houses. For the production, the method of ceramic 3D printing was adopted. What many do not know: Ceramics are widely used as a material in Amsterdam. Accordingly, the use of ceramics refers not least to the nearby Rijksmuseum, which houses a large collection of ceramics from all over the world. It is possible that the façade of the luxury boutique will also soon be part of this collection.