LANXESS Pigments Bring Vibrant Color and Circular Design to 3D-Printed Concrete Column

LANXESS Pigments Bring Vibrant Color and Circular Design to 3D-Printed Concrete Column

(IN BRIEF) At the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale, “Duality of Skin and Core” demonstrates how LANXESS iron oxide pigments can transform 3D-printed concrete from uniform gray to vividly colored architectural elements. Developed by Eindhoven University of Technology with Vertico, the sculpture’s modular assembly of nine drums and four wings offers lightweight, reusable components that echo ancient columns while embodying circular-economy principles. Joint research with TU Dresden confirms that Bayferrox and Colortherm pigments do not compromise concrete properties, enabling consistent, high-quality color and opening doors to new sustainable design strategies.

(PRESS RELEASE) COLOGNE, 11-Jul-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — LANXESS pigments are redefining aesthetic and sustainable possibilities in 3D concrete printing. At the Venice Architecture Biennale 2025, the experimental sculpture “Duality of Skin and Core” showcases red and black iron oxide pigments from LANXESS, applied without limitations in digitally controlled concrete extrusion. Created by Assistant Professor Cristina Nan and architect Mattia Zucco at Eindhoven University of Technology, this modular column was brought to life in partnership with LANXESS and Dutch 3D printing specialist Vertico.

The piece merges color, computational patterning and material performance into a single manufacturing workflow. By revealing a vividly pigmented interior through a slit in its exterior “skin,” the column reimagines the monolithic gray form with striking contrast. Inspired by classical Greek and Roman drums, the design comprises nine cylindrical segments and four winged panels, each under 30 kg. This modular concept not only simplifies transport and on-site assembly but also enables disassembly and reuse—key tenets of circular construction.

Behind the scenes, LANXESS has collaborated with the Institute of Construction Materials at TU Dresden to validate pigment performance under additive-manufacturing conditions. Tests confirm that Bayferrox and Colortherm iron oxide pigments integrate seamlessly into concrete mixes, maintaining printability and mechanical integrity while delivering uniform, high-quality color. These findings clear the way for unrestricted use of colored concrete in 3D printing, moving beyond traditional gray structures and unlocking new creative and sustainable pathways for the built environment.

About LANXESS
LANXESS is a leading specialty chemicals company with sales of EUR 6.4 billion in 2024. The company currently has about 12,000 employees in 32 countries. The core business of LANXESS is the development, manufacturing and marketing of chemical intermediates, additives and consumer protection products. LANXESS has achieved leading positions in the Dow Jones Best-in-Class Index and the MSCI ESG and ISS ESG ratings, among others, for its commitment to sustainability.

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Michael Fahrig
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Press
Phone: +49 221 8885-5041
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SOURCE: LANXESS