Xiong’an Wings: One of the Largest Buildings with 3D-Printed Elements Completed in China

China has completed the construction of a large-scale commercial and cultural complex known as Xiong’an Wings, one of the most significant buildings to date incorporating 3D-printed architectural elements.

The project stands as a visible symbol of China’s technological and economic ambitions within the framework of the country’s 14th Five-Year Plan and the development of the Xiong’an New Area, often described as a “city of the future”.

The five-storey complex combines cultural, public, and commercial functions and demonstrates how additive manufacturing technologies can be applied not only in experimental structures, but also in large, permanent public buildings.

Architecture Inspired by Poetry and Flight

The main building features two dramatic, free-spanning “wings” extending approximately 20 metres on each side. The architectural form was inspired by a classical Chinese poem describing a heron gliding above mist-covered water, translating literary imagery into a dynamic and expressive structure.

Inside the complex, the programme includes:

• A 400-seat theatre,

• A 100-seat conference hall,

• And a variety of retail and public spaces.

Beyond its functional role, the building was conceived as a landmark project, representing innovation, cultural continuity, and advanced construction methods.

3D-Printed Panels and Advanced Materials

A key innovation of the Xiong’an Wings project lies in its facade and roof systems, which incorporate three types of panels, including large-scale 3D-printed elements. These panels were used on the inner surfaces of the rounded rooftop plaza and beneath the overhanging wings—areas characterised by complex, double-curved geometries.

The panels were produced from a modified polymer material developed specifically for architectural applications. According to the project team, the material offers:

1. Enhanced fire resistance,

2. Increased uv stability,

3. And high durability under long-term environmental exposure.

Engineering assessments indicate that the panels are expected to retain at least 80% of their original strength after 20 years of operation, making them suitable for long-term use in public buildings.

Why Additive Manufacturing Was Chosen

Traditional aluminium cladding would have been extremely labour-intensive and costly due to the large number of uniquely shaped, curved panels required by the design. 3D printing provided a viable alternative, enabling precise fabrication of complex forms without expensive moulds or tooling.

As a result:

• Material consumption was reduced by approximately 20–30% compared to conventional manufacturing methods;

• Production waste was significantly minimised;

• And fabrication time for non-standard elements was substantially shortened.

In parallel, topological optimisation of the structural system allowed engineers to reduce steel usage in the load-bearing framework while maintaining structural integrity.

Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

The project also integrates advanced thermal insulation and climate-control systems, which are expected to reduce operational energy consumption by around one third compared to conventional buildings of similar size.

Together with material savings from additive manufacturing, these measures contribute to a lower environmental footprint, aligning the project with broader sustainability and efficiency goals.

A Symbol of Technological Progress

Developed by the state-owned construction company Power Construction Corporation of China (POWERCHINA), Xiong’an Wings serves a dual purpose. In addition to its commercial and cultural functions, it acts as a demonstration project showcasing how digital design, topological optimisation, and 3D printing can be integrated into mainstream construction.

The project illustrates the growing role of additive technologies in large-scale architecture, highlighting their potential to:

• Reduce material use and costs,

• Enable complex architectural expression,

• And support more sustainable construction practices.

Xiong’an Wings represents an important step toward the future of construction, where advanced manufacturing methods become a standard tool for creating efficient, expressive, and resilient buildings.

Sources

• China Daily — 3D-printed cultural center offers new model for building smart, green cities

• China Daily — 3D-printed panels and facade systems in Xiong’an Wings

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