# 3D-Printed Concrete Canoes ETH Zurich Developed an Ultra-Lightweight 3D-Printed Canoe By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2017-06-15 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3dprinted-canoe References: [3ders.org](http://www.3ders.org/articles/20170614-canoe-with-3d-printed-formwork-takes-1st-prize-for-design-innovation-at-concrete-canoe-regatta.html) & [dbt.arch.ethz.ch](http://dbt.arch.ethz.ch/skelethon-3d-printed-boat-wins-1st-prize-design-innovation-26th-concrete-canoe-regatta-germany/) Although the idea of using concrete for the creation of a watercraft that is designed to stay afloat might seem counterintuitive, ETH Zurich recently received a Design Innovation award at the 26th Concrete Canoe Regatta for its 3D-printed canoe design made with this material. As part of the 26th Concrete Canoe Regatta, participants were challenged to create a [concrete canoe](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aluminum-tubes) that could successfully be sent down a river. The winning design, dubbed 'SkelETHon,' boasts a skeletal structure with "bones" cast in fiber-reinforced concrete. In all, the skeletal framework of the canoe weighs just four kilograms and boasts a three-millimeter-thick waterproof skin. The design of this structure speaks to the great potential for [3D printing to be used](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3dprinting-resin) to its fullest to recreate innovative new forms in the world of transportation, [architecture and beyond](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-tor-alva). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.7/10 - Popularity: 80% | Activity: 82% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) > [Transportation](https://www.trendhunter.com/transportation) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **3D Printing in Transportation:** The use of 3D printing in transportation opens up opportunities for creating innovative and lightweight structures that can enhance fuel efficiency and reduce material waste. - **Advanced Materials in Architecture:** Using advanced materials, such as fiber-reinforced concrete, in architecture allows for the creation of durable and sustainable structures with unique designs and properties. - **Innovative Construction Techniques:** Exploring innovative construction techniques, such as 3D printing, enables the development of cost-effective and customizable solutions that can revolutionize the construction industry. ### Who This Affects Most - **Transportation:** The transportation industry can benefit from adopting 3D printing technology to create lightweight and fuel-efficient vehicles. - **Architecture:** The architecture industry can leverage advanced materials and 3D printing techniques to build sustainable and aesthetically pleasing structures. - **Construction:** The construction industry can embrace innovative construction techniques, like 3D printing, to enhance productivity and reduce material waste. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [3D-Printed Concrete Chairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chair-none.md) - [3D-Printed Fire Pits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3d-printed-fire-pit.md) - [3D-Printed Carbon Cellos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3dprinted-carbon-cello.md) - [3D-Printed Wooden Furniture Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/econitwood.md) - [3D-Printed Home Prototypes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-tiny-house-lux.md) - [Concrete Spiral Staircase Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cadenza.md) - [3D-Printed Sports Car Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hv001-hybrid-sports-car.md) - [3D-Printed Tall Concrete Towers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-tor-alva.md) - [Energy-Saving Artistically Contoured Ceilings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/contoured-ceiling.md)