3D-printed earth architecture
Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC) has developed TOVA, Spain’s first 3D-printed building constructed from earth. The building is located at IAAC’s Valldaura Labs near Barcelona.
TOVA was built in seven weeks using the Crane WASP 3D printer and is made from 100% local materials collected within a radius of just 50 metres. The result is a building with a minimal CO₂ footprint and no material waste.
The building’s walls consist of local soil mixed with additives and enzymes to improve the material’s strength and elasticity, making it ideally suited for 3D printing. The foundation is made of geopolymer, while the roof is constructed from timber.
TOVA serves as a prototype that combines traditional earth-based construction methods with modern 3D-printing technology. The project demonstrates a potential response to both today’s climate challenges and the need for more sustainable and resource-efficient housing solutions.
About the project
TOVA
Location
Barcelona, Spain
Number of employees
??
Info
Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC) has developed TOVA, Spain’s first 3D-printed building constructed from earth. The building is located at IAAC’s Valldaura Labs near Barcelona.
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