3D Printed Architecture: Our Top Picks

The Oxford English Dictionary defines architecture as “the art and study of designing buildings”: whether it is houses, offices, bridges or schools, this art is greatly impacted by new technologies. Architects are looking for innovative structures, both in terms of design and energy efficiency – as we know, the latter has become a major issue in our society today. Among the new technologies used, we can mention additive manufacturing of course. It brings many benefits to the construction sector, which is expected to grow by 101.9% annually from 2023 to 2030 according to a study published by Grand View Research. Designs can be customized, significant resources can be saved by using less material, and complex shapes that were previously considered impossible can be created in record time. Let’s take a look back at a few projects that blend architecture and 3D printing to see what is possible with the technology today!

MX3D’s Metal Bridge

In 2015, Dutch 3D printing company MX3D unveiled the MX3D bridge in Amsterdam. This 12 meter fully functional stainless steel bridge was made by a 6-axis robot that extrudes metal rods and welds them layer by layer. It crosses the Oudezijds Achterburgwal, one of the most famous canals in the capital. The bridge has an integrated sensor network to measure structural elements and environmental factors to allow engineers to monitor the quality of the bridge. Furthermore, these factors are inputted into a ‘digital twin’ of the bridge so the workers can modify the bridge as needed, and to inform them for future 3D printing projects.

TECLA, the 100% green building from WASP

Italian company WASP is responsible for many projects that combine 3D printing and the construction industry. In 2016, it announced plans to build the houses of an experimental Italian village called Shambalha using additive manufacturing. Most recently, WASP 3D printed a 100% eco-friendly house from recyclable materials. Called TECLA (taking its name from Technology and Clay), the building was designed to address the climate crisis by providing low-carbon housing. The Italian company used their proprietary Crane WASP modular 3D printer to build it. The company also plans to build fully 3D-printed residential buildings. This will involve the use of new materials, among other things, and the project will serve as a case study in the future.