Living Prototype carried out with earth and a 3D printer
IAAC 

Living Prototype carried out with earth and a 3D printer

IAAC 


The Institute of Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC) and the Italian company WASP (World’s Advanced Saving Project), which specializes in 3D printers, present TOVA, a prototype built with earth and a Crane WASP over a period of seven weeks on the premises of IAAC’s Valldaura Labs.

The building process generated zero waste because it used local earth, mixed with additives and enzymes to ensure the structural integrity and the elasticity needed to optimize large-scale 3D printing. The foundation is made of geopolymer and the roof is a timber construction. A waterproof coating using materials like aloe and egg whites contributes to durability. The walls are made of a network of cavities that insulate and contain air flow, preventing heat loss in winter and providing protection against solar radiation in summer. The possible applications of this model include homes and temporary lodging during emergency and other humanitarian crises.