The Postgraduate in 3D Printing Architecture is a 6-month long intensive programme in the field of additive manufacturing of sustainable architecture. Between the use of advanced technology for construction and the desire to develop a holistic design approach to architecture, we engage with different areas of research that include robotic manufacturing, material research and performance-based design. The programme seeks to develop technological and architectural solutions in collaboration with Industry partners to answer the current needs and challenges of our habitat.
Case study of a 3D printed project Site Organization The site plan was developed to support a continuous and efficient design-to-production workflow, integrating material preparation, digital control, and on-site fabrication into a single coordinated system. The spatial organization follows a clear operational sequence, from raw material handling to final deposition, reducing unnecessary movement, interruptions, and … Read more
– Vision 2025/2026 3D printing is increasingly entering the construction industry, with many examples of printed houses and buildings already realised. Its appeal lies in clear advantages: automation, speed, reduced material use, and minimal waste, all of which lower construction costs. Beyond efficiency, however, 3D printing offers architects significant design freedom, enabling an architecture that … Read more
Introduction & Problem Statement Earthen 3D printing offers a low-carbon, recyclable, and locally sourced alternative to conventional construction materials. However, its architectural use remains limited by a critical issue: wet-state instability during printing. Freshly extruded clay has very low strength and stiffness, so walls usually reach only 15–20 cm per day. Beyond this height, the … Read more
This research focuses on one of the main limitations of 3D printing with earth: low stability in the wet state. Today, the maximum daily printing height is around 20 cm, which limits construction efficiency. This project explores how to improve wet-state stability to enable taller, faster, and more consistent earthen walls. STATE OF THE ART … Read more
This academic year, the 3DPA program focused on the theme Performative Earth Construction, guiding the work from research to design and construction.Following the projects Tova and Texit pavilions, two enclosed spaces built on the Forest Campus, the aim is to explore how 3D printing with earth can be used on a larger scale while responding … Read more
3DPA 2024-25 Faculty : Secil Afsar Guest Faculty : Amanda Rivera INTRODUCTION Matrix of material design strategy for 3DPA 2024-2025 ANALYSIS OF PREVIOUS YEARS Mixing strategies from the previous protoypes of 3DPA EXPECTED IMPROVEMENTS Matrix for default design strategies from previous years, and areas for future improvement MATTER RESEARCH Testing different matter mixes, and additives … Read more
TECHNE: W3 – STRUCTURE workshop asks students to examine the structural behaviors inherent in 3D printing with clay and earth. Our goal for this week’s workshop was to print the tallest single and double surface structure that will be assessed against performance metrics such as toolpath length, print volume, print time, weight, collapse height, and … Read more
After exploring periods in 2D and their capacity to deform, promising periods were tested in 3D to mitigate certain climatic phenomena and achieve various climatic performances, such as heat storage capacity of matter, ventilation, self-shading, and daylight allowance. Heat Storage Capacity of Matter To test this, a catalogue of deformation along 3 different axes was … Read more
Perspective of Teixit – Source: Vesela Tabakova Design to Production A. Wall Axis and Segmentation Situated in Valldaura Labs, Caserolla Park, Barcelona, Teixit is a conceptual step towards a 3D printed living complex for the Mediterranean climate. It expands the existing TOVA bedroom pavilion by incorporating a kitchen and a living room. This space, serving … Read more
resiTONAK is a pioneering housing solution that reinvents student living, fusing affordability, sustainability, and community connectivity. With a module budget under $100,000 and a compact footprint of less than 400 square feet, resiTONAK sets a new standard for student living by using 3d printing to develop an architecture that responds to climate and challenges living … Read more
3D Print Affordable Pocket Neighborhood ICON Initiative 99 Phase One Honorable Mention in the Student Category Problematic Statement In today’s urban landscape, digital nomads, engaged professionals, and couples face a growing challenge in securing affordable housing that aligns with their dynamic lifestyles. As the demand for affordable housing intensifies, the conventional housing market often falls … Read more
This research focuses on the exploration of vertical openings in 3D printed earthen walls. It seeks to answer the question: How to construct medium and large vertical openings in earth 3D printing, providing a maximum opening ratio while minimizing mass and material usage? The objectives of this research are:
The research focuses on investigating the integration of MEP integration systems (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) within 3D printed Earth walls. Through a comprehensive exploration of wall discontinuities and cavity design, we aim to understand how these design elements can be combined to achieve a seamless integration of MEP systems throughout both the design and construction … Read more
Table of Contents Abstract Design Previous Research : LIGHT [ AIR ] Tova vs Kibaha Porosity Compositional grid for Kibaha prototype Technical Challenges Material Recyclability Foundation & Cast Overhangs Edges condition Mesh grids Offsets Approach curves & curve order Ventilation Conclusion Abstract The relatively low mechanical strength of earth means that its use in traditional … Read more
Overview In the last week of Phase One TECHNE, comes Architecture, where we used “The light wall”, an earth 3D printed wall that uses light as a performative element, in the design of an architecture project. By modifying the geometry of the wall and analyzing the performance of light going through, we develop a strategy … Read more
