Client: Skate Buds
Location: Orlando, FL
Project Type: Custom Skateboarding Hardscape
Timeline: 1 Day Printing / 1 hour to Install (by Contractor)
The Challenge
Obstacles must withstand repeated high impact landings, grinding metal trucks, and constant friction, all while maintaining a smooth surface for wheels. Traditional skatepark construction is often binary: either permanent, expensive poured-in-place concrete or temporary wood ramps that rot and splinter. The team at Skate Buds, working on an indoor park in Orlando, needed a hybrid solution: obstacles that possessed the solidity and flow of concrete but offered the modularity and sculptural aesthetic of modern hardscape.
The Solution
Printera partnered with Skate Buds to fabricate a series of elements that blur the line between skate obstacle and public art. We utilized 3D concrete printing to create ramps and a modular grind rail system that standard casting methods would struggle to produce cost effectively. A standout feature of the project is a custom bench featuring an integrated quartz edge, specifically engineered to withstand the abuse of repeated grinds while providing a buttery-smooth slide. These pieces were designed not just to be looked at, but to be ridden, combining heavy-duty structural integrity with a refined, urban aesthetic.
The Outcome
The project successfully proved that 3D printed concrete can take a beating. These forms are currently being jumped, ollied, and ridden hard, demonstrating zero structural compromise under load. Beyond just the skatepark, this project paves the way for “skateable architecture” in public plazas and city centers. It demonstrates that Printera can deliver high-performance urban furniture that serves pedestrians and skaters alike. Tough enough for the streets, but beautiful enough for the art gallery.
