A Living System in the Hills of Barcelona
Nestled between rolling hills and the city, this 3D-printed, earth-built settlement revives Catalan traditions sustainably. The Masia, a historic Catalan farmhouse. Which is developed through additive earth construction using local soil and modern techniques. More than a settlement, it is a living system where visitors learn to cultivate, harvest, and cook local ingredients, while also immersing themselves in Catalan dishes, drinks, and crafts through hands-on experiences rooted in tradition.
The homestay hosts a community of permanent caretakers, seasonal volunteers, and curious visitors throughout the year. At its center, a family of four anchors the farm—two adults managing operations and two university-going children. Two local workers support them, assisting with farming, maintenance, and daily activities across the homestead.
Each year, six long-term volunteers trade labor for knowledge, food, and shelter, living traditional Catalan farming rhythms. On weekends, the homestay welcomes day visitors to farmers’ markets, workshops, and communal feasts. Together, they create a fluid but rooted community. where knowledge is exchanged and traditions are kept alive. Every guest, whether staying for a season or a single meal, becomes part of this ongoing story.

SITE
The location is selected just to the north of central Barcelona, near the neighborhoods of Sant Andreu and Nou Barris. It is about 7–8 kilometers from Barcelona’s historic city center (Plaça de Catalunya) and is well-connected by public transport. The area is more residential and industrial compared to the busy tourist core, offering a quieter, more local atmosphere. Still being easily accessible to the heart of Barcelona.


Climatic strategies
The homestay is carefully designed to harmonize with the Mediterranean climate of southern Europe. where summers are warm (20º–30ºC) and clear, while winters are cool (0º–10ºC) and partly cloudy. The 3D-printed earth construction takes advantage of thermal mass, ensuring passive heating in winter and cooling in summer while integrating seamlessly with the sloping terrain.
Integration with the Landscape
The plot follows a northwest (NW) to southeast (SE) orientation, gently sloping towards the southeast (SE). This positioning maximizes exposure to natural light and ventilation while ensuring thermal comfort year-round.
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PLAN

This floor plan showcases a 3D-printed house design inspired by the Can Lis house, emphasizing the contrast between the north and south walls to define spatial dynamics. The north wall is thicker and more regular, serving as a structural and thermal buffer, ensuring stability and insulation. In contrast, the south wall is more fragmented, incorporating niches and breaks that provide privacy and spatial diversity within the house.
The layout promotes a fluid interaction between communal and private areas. The central spaces appear open and interconnected, likely serving as shared living, dining, and working areas, while individual rooms are tucked behind the structural rhythm of the thickened walls. The fragmented southern façade enhances natural light penetration and creates intimate pockets for seating, storage, or decorative elements.
This approach seamlessly integrates functional zoning, privacy, and organic design, all made possible through the adaptability of 3D-printing technology.

Adaptive Orientation for Thermal Efficiency
West & East Facades -The longest walls face the west and receive strong afternoon sun. To mitigate overheating, the design absorbs heat through thermal dephasing strategies and gradually releases it over time. The east-facing wall thickens to control early morning heat gain as it catches the first light of the day.
North Facade – These functions as an insulating thermal buffer, minimizing heat loss in winter. Increased wall thickness and air-cavity insulation help regulate internal temperatures. The bedrooms and resting spaces are positioned here, ensuring cooler and quieter sleeping areas, naturally shielded from excessive heat.
South Facade – The living and working spaces are placed towards the south, optimizing access to sunlight. Large openings and Trombe walls help regulate temperature, ensuring solar gain in winter and shade in summer. Extended roof overhangs and passive ventilation systems work to prevent overheating.


This project builds upon the foundations laid by the “Helia” prototype, demonstrating the full potential of 3D printing technology in architectural applications. Printed at IAAC’s Valldaura Labs, it stands as a testament to how 3D printing can harness natural materials for sustainable construction. By pushing the limits of scale, design, and material experimentation, it showcases how additive manufacturing can move beyond prototyping to enable real-world, full-scale architecture—redefining how we conceive, design, and build for the future.