Tuesday, 14 July 2026
Construction group HSF System has completed a car wash made from 3D-printed concrete near the Klokan shopping centre in Žilina, Slovakia. The companies involved describe it as the first facility of its kind in Slovakia or the Czech Republic and one of the first commercial buildings in Europe to use this construction method.
The structure consists of 40 concrete components printed in 36 hours. HSF System served as the general contractor, while MC Štadión, part of the KLM real estate development group, was the investor.
The car wash forms part of the Klokan retail development, which HSF System completed as general contractor in 2025. The use of 3D-printed concrete was considered during the design of the wider site. The new facility adds another service near central Žilina and the MŠK Žilina football stadium.
“The project was developed locally, from the initial design and planning through to construction,” said Tomáš Kosa, CEO of HSF System. “It shows that 3D printing can now be used as an alternative to conventional construction methods in operational buildings.”
The concrete components were produced in the Czech Republic by Coral Construction Technologies using its 3D Concrete Printing process. They were then transported to Žilina and assembled on site. Off-site production reduced exposure to weather conditions and allowed closer control over manufacturing tolerances and the sequencing of subsequent work.
According to Kosa, the completed building meets the thermal-insulation and fire-resistance requirements set by the relevant authorities. The car wash is now in operation.
Coral Construction Technologies says the process can shorten production times, improve precision and reduce material waste. The company has been developing the technology for almost five years.
“This project demonstrates the use of 3D-printed concrete in a functioning commercial building rather than a prototype,” said Tomáš Vránek, CEO of Coral Construction Technologies. “The structure is relatively small, but it provides a practical application of the technology using standard concrete.”
HSF System and Coral Construction Technologies have previously worked on other 3D-printed buildings, including a restaurant at the Kopřivná ski resort in the Czech Republic. Coral Construction Technologies is 50% owned by investment holding company PURPOSIA Group through HSF System.
“Our cooperation with HSF System helps us move concrete 3D printing from development into completed construction projects,” Vránek said. “We see automation and robotics as tools that can also be applied more widely in the construction sector.”
