MASK Architects Designs Self-Sustainable 3D Printed Steel Structures

MASK Architects has revealed a new concept of 3D printed steel modular structures, named “The Madre Natura”, which will be placed near the Nivola Museum, in Sardinia. In order to erect these small modular houses, the studio should rely on MX3D’s Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) technology. The construction system used is called EXOSTEEL which supports and distributes the functional elements of the buildings, like an exoskeleton. Each 3-story structure would be self-sustainable and could also provide energy resources.

MASK Architects is based on the idea that its work should be accessible to all and that art can bring communities together. It follows the same philosophy as the Nivola Museum in Orani – the project website states, “We want Orani City to become an iconic landmark in which it can be admired from a distance as well as within the city by all as viewing art and landmarks. We would like to see some resemblance to mother nature in our project. We would closely combine our design into the natural design of this world. We aim to blend the mother figure, which is an essential pivotal point in human society and how a nurturing mother looks after its children and how the world takes care of us. Using today’s technology and functionalities, we aim to embrace nature as a mama figure and to protect it like a mother protecting her children.” That’s why the studio came up with these amazing structures consisting of a 3D printed steel column.

Photo Credits: MASK Architects

He was inspired by Nivola’s “La Madre” sculpture to image this slender 3-story form. It is a 3D printed steel pillar that supports the structure and acts as a kind of energy tower. Each one is self sustainable as well as able to able to resist any weather conditions. They are all hollowed out: this shape is meant to guide strong winds through each building to a common wind turbine. The latter provides the necessary energy to the different houses. Each tower is covered with solar panels; it also incorporates cameras and fire detectors.