XTREE

The construction industry needs a digital revolution. Even though it is the world´s biggest employer, the industry has been posting profitability losses for over three decades. Absence of efficient collaboration, little use of digital technologies, increasing regulatory constraints; the construction sector has much to gain by adopting new building methods using additive construction. Greater creativity, more flexibility, less material waste, lower carbon footprint, lighter and sturdier structures, these are just some of the advantages put forth by XtreeE, a team of digital enthusiasts who believe it is finally time to free this industry from the constraints of its past. The project with the 3DEXPERIENCE Lab aims to industrialize the digitization of the construction industry to further advance its transformation.

While one of the most booming industries in the world, the construction industry is also the only industry that has seen its profitability plunge over the last 30 years. Why? Partly because of more and more stringent regulations and constraints, and the fact that companies have simply been building the same way for decades (disciplines working in silos, absence of digital representation, poor or no lifecycle management).

The industry needs to reinvent itself.

While BIM (Building Information Modeling) has been gaining ground over the years in design, it does not solve all the industry´s ills. Infusing a more digital approach to design is the right approach but defeats the purpose if construction methods are not revamped as well. The industry is, therefore, challenged to improve the quality of execution while reducing costs. 
One innovative solution is taking root and it involves replacing traditional construction methods with 3D printing, also known as additive construction. The technique has been given a new twist by Philippe Morel, architect and founder of EZCT Architecture & Design Research, who brings his passion for 3D and the digital world to the table.

After three years collaborating with robotics manufacturer ABB, robotics software developer HAL Robotics, and concrete industry giant LafargeHolcim, Morel founded XtreeE to revolutionize architectural design and construction using advanced digital technologies and additive construction techniques. Thanks to this process, and freed from the constraints of linear concrete forms prevalently used in construction, XtreeE strives to liberate architects´ imaginations by providing them with the ability to design the most complex shapes and to see them come to life.

Some advantages of additive construction:

• It is good for the environment. Even though the construction industry recycles most of its excess materials, it also generates the greatest amount of waste. With additive construction, there is practically no waste at all. Only the exact quantity of materials are used and with recent advances in concrete, for example, structures end up being lighter and more robust.
• Another advantage is that companies no longer need to transport materials like formwork or unused materials to and from the construction site, which adds to construction costs and increases environmental footprint.
• Just about any form can be built. Architects have the freedom to innovate as their digital design data is fed into a robot that is programmed to layer materials with variable angles or thicknesses creating shapes that are simply not possible with traditional concrete forming.