Skanska 3D prints tree planters

The 3D-printed tree planters are being installed in Stamford, Lincolnshire (designed by Artefatto Design Studio, London)

Skanska is using 3D concrete printing (3DCP) to create tree planters on a highways project in Lincolnshire.

The robotic arm of the printer reads CAD information to create the curved planters (above), typically 800mm deep.

“We think 3DCP is useful for printing items with complex geometry,” said Skanska innovation director Felipe Manzatucci. “The concrete elements can be created without using falsework and form-work. Concrete is pumped through a nozzle which is guided by the robot to form a predetermined shape.”

• Skanska’s robot vision