"World's Tallest" 3D Printed Building Unveiled in Switzerland

Summary

• Located in Mulegns, Switzerland, the world’s tallest 3D-printed tower was designed by Architect Michael Hansmeyer and ETH Professor of Digital Building Technologies Benjamin Dillenburger.
• The partnership between ETH Zurich and the Origen cultural foundation has brought the movable concrete structure to the depopulated town in hopes of injecting it with new life.

Swiss university ETH Zurich has brought the world’s tallest 3D-printed tower to the small town of Mulegns, demonstrating innovative techniques that build load-bearing structures without formwork. Named Tor Alva, the new architectural landmark was created in a partnership between the university and the Origen cultural foundation with the aim of enlivening the historic, yet depopulated town, now home to only 11 residents.

Architect Michael Hansmeyer and ETH Professor of Digital Building Technologies Benjamin Dillenburger led the design of the building, employing an innovative additive manufacturing process that relies on robot assistance. First, algorithms generate the ornamental and the structural aspects, and then the robots get to work by applying the concrete layer by layer without the need for supportive casting moulds. The innovative load-bearing quality of the design was facilitated by a newly developed reinforcement concept involving the robotic assistants.

The final result is a story tower that comprises 32 sculptured white concrete columns, forming a structure that appears at once naturalistic and futuristic. At the top, the columns unfold in a tree-like formation to create the domed space where visitors can witness scenic views.

For the next five years, Tor Alva will call Mulegns home, after which it can be dismantled and re-erected elsewhere. Starting this weekend, the tower will be open daily for guided tours, and later in the summer, the space will also host staged performances.

See the gallery above for photos of the completed project.