Krypton, a column in Aix-en-Provence

This architectonic column in Aix-en-Provence, France, marks a major milestone as XtreeE’s first structural element integrated into a public building. Co-designed with Marc Dalibard and EZCT Architecture & Design Research, the project serves as a real-world proof of concept for the future of large-scale, tech-driven architecture.

The core innovation lies in using XtreeE technology to 3D print a lost formwork. Instead of fabricating traditional, temporary molds that are thrown away after use, a precise 3D-printed outer shell was created, filled with Ultra-High-Performance Fibre-Reinforced Concrete (UHPFC) by Fehr Architectural, and then coated.

This approach offers an incredible advantage by dramatically reducing material waste and labor costs. By optimizing the molding process, the project bypasses the constraints of traditional construction, delivering a structurally superior column with a flawless aesthetic finish that would otherwise be prohibitively expensive to achieve.