IAAC 3D prints low-emission building from local soil

The Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC) has completed a 100 m² prototype of a low-emission building using 3D printing. The project was created in the Valldaura forest in the Collserola Natural Park near Barcelona using the Crane WASP 3D printer, a step towards sustainable and affordable housing.

The construction industry is responsible for 39% of global CO2 emissions, while housing is scarce in many places. After over a decade of research, IAAC and the 3D printing architecture program combine traditional materials with cutting-edge technology to create affordable and environmentally friendly housing solutions.

The 3D-printed Earth Forest Campus includes enclosed, covered and open spaces made from 3D-printed earth and serves as a laboratory for new structural and architectural solutions. The flexible floor plan demonstrates the possibilities of 3D printing technology. Some walls have been printed, demolished and recycled to create new structures. This room layout creates diverse environments that adapt to the needs of the users.

The building uses almost exclusively natural materials. A 50 cm thick natural stone foundation provides stability and drainage. The first 30 cm of the walls consist of stabilized earth to protect against flooding. The earth material comes from the surrounding area, is dried, sieved, mixed and finally pressed into the 3D printer. The walls are printed at a rate of 25 cm per day and reach their full height of 2.5 m in ten days.

The 3D printing technology enables a high degree of adaptability in the design. The walls fulfill different functions depending on their position: They carry loads, act as thermal barriers or provide openings for light and ventilation. The cavities in the walls reduce material consumption and enable the integration of insulation materials and technical equipment.

This project shows how 3D printing technology and natural materials can create sustainable housing solutions and is an important step towards CO2-neutral architecture that adapts to the needs of users and the environment.