Retail giant Walmart is set to create one of the largest free-standing 3D-printed commercial concrete structures in the United States. Working with 3D printing company Alquist 3D, the chain will use the technology to create an addition to its existing store in Athens, TN.

The extension, rising 20 feet high and measuring 8,000 square feet, will enhance Walmart’s Online Pickup & Delivery program, marking the first time Walmart has utilized 3D printing technology at a large scale. The company also hints at a second collaboration with Alquist 3D in the future.

Walmart is the latest commercial company to embrace 3D printing in architecture and construction. Last month, we reported on BIG and ICON breaking ground on Liz Lambert’s 3D-printed El Cosmic resort in Marta, months after Archinect spoke with both Bjarke Ingels and ICON’s Melodie Yashar about the future of the technology.

Several educational institutions have also recently announced advancements in 3D printing technology. In late September, ETH Zurich developed a robotic process for impact printing earth materials while an MIT team created 3D-printed glass bricks for reusable construction. 

In early September, Princeton researchers developed a concrete 3D printing method inspired by ancient fish scales while UMaine experimented with 3D printed floor panels made from recyclable natural materials.