The Top 3D Printed Pavilions Around the World

A pavilion is defined by the the Merriam-Webster dictionary as an “a usually open sometimes ornamental structure in a garden, park, or place of recreation that is used for entertainment or shelter.”. In recent years, there has been an increasing trend towards using additive manufacturing to create pavilions. With the help of 3D technologies, it is possible to design buildings more efficiently, at a reduced cost, and with a minimized amount of materials while still allowing for the creation of more complex geometries. Some 3D-printed pavilions feature designs that would have been impossible to accomplish with traditional manufacturing techniques, such as honeycomb structures constructed using topological optimization. These 3D-printed pavilions can now be found worldwide, showcasing the possibilities of 3D printing. While most are constructed with concrete, it’s worth noting that other materials have been used with an environmental concern in mind. We took a closer look at some of the top examples.

The All-Weather Pavilion

The design studio Nagami and architecture firm Hassell have joined forces to produce a sleek and transportable 3D-printed pavilion prototype that can be customized to meet specific requirements. The pavilion is engineered to withstand harsh weather conditions and is optimized for extreme environments, such as deserts, snowy areas, or war zones. The structure was created using a robotic arm fitted with a nozzle capable of depositing recycled plastic filaments, demonstrating the project’s eco-friendly commitment. The collective to.org, which devoted to tackling global warming, inequality, and ocean pollution, supported the project. The pavilion’s complex and futuristic architecture, inspired by indigenous shelters, highlights the diverse design possibilities afforded by 3D printing technology.

Photo credits: Hassel

A 3D Printed Pavilion in Mexico

Named “Sueños con Fiber/Timber, Earth/Concrete” (Dreams with Fiber/Timber, Earth/Concrete), this 3D printed pavilion was created in Mexico to showcase the city’s stories and raise awareness about preserving our planet. The team behind it, consisting of Structures MIT Digital Engineering, the international organization New Story, and Échale, a Mexican social enterprise, aimed to combine three key elements: innovative technology, traditional craftsmanship, and sustainable materials. The pavilion’s horizontal roof structure maximizes the existing joist-and-vault system, reducing the need for precast reinforced concrete beams and enhancing its environmental sustainability. The clay 3D printed blocks are placed between the beams, allowing for the pouring of a top slab. By using locally-sourced materials and recycling, the pavilion not only becomes more affordable, but it also significantly reduces its carbon footprint.

Tiny House, the Pavilion without Frames or Custom-Made Formwork

The De Huizenprinters consortium in the Netherlands is responsible for creating a 3D-printed concrete pavilion called Tiny House. This collaborative effort involves several companies, including Heilijgers construction firm, Van der Kamp BV concrete supplier, innovation experts Blueways, creative innovators community De WAR, and 3D concrete printing company Vertico. According to the creators, designing the roof was the most difficult part of the process. The print head orientation and various end heights had to be carefully considered, requiring significant time and energy. The pavilion is constructed entirely from concrete, including recycled concrete aggregates, eliminating the need for frames or formwork. It is composed of eight sections and was created using parametric design to test its ability to withstand changes in the weather. This sustainable project is an excellent example of the possibilities offered by additive manufacturing and offers new construction methods for future structures.