Photos: World’s tallest 3D-printed tower set to be built in Swiss Alps

Photos: World’s tallest 3D-printed tower set to be built in Swiss Alps

The world’s tallest 3D-printed tower, set to be built in the Swiss Alps along the Julier mountain pass, started fabrication at ETH in Zurich this month. 

Tor Alva, also known as the “White Tower,” is a pioneering innovation in the 3D printing industry illustrating a 30-meter tall building in Mulegns, Switzerland.

The White Tower project was led by Benjamin Dillenburger and launched in collaboration with Fundaziun Origen.

According to an official statement, the tower is a 3D-printed structure designed for Fundaziun Origen, serving as both a beacon in the village and a versatile space for art installations, music, and theater performances.

Tallest-ever 3D printed tower to overlook the Swiss Alps

The tower features 32 branching columns enclosing abstract, atmospheric rooms, leading visitors to a vaulted concert venue at the top. This venue can accommodate 45 people and offers panoramic views of the Julier Valley.

The firm says: “The innovations in these research fields will fundamentally change construction and make it more sustainable.”

Regarding sustainability, the company utilized a robotic concrete extrusion process to devise a concrete structure such as this. It “significantly reduced material consumption.”

‘Expressive shapes, surface detailing, and hollow features’

This material also paved the way for unique designs to be molded easily from “expressive shapes, surface detailing, and hollow features,” the statement noted.

“It also allows for the production of one-of-a-kind, non-standard architectural elements. Investigating concepts of circularity and reuse, the tower will be constructed with disassembly in mind so that it can be rebuilt at another location after its five-year life in Mulegns.”

The White Tower of Mulegns is an innovative architectural project that will be built directly on top of the historic carriage depot in the village.

It is designed as a vertical structure with six floors, creating a sequence of spaces known as a vertical enfilade. As per the firm, these spaces vary in atmosphere and ambiance, transitioning from dark and enclosed rooms at the bottom to light and airy ones at the top.

Each tower floor is characterized by its system of ornamentation, contributing to unique spatial experiences for visitors. Despite these individual expressions, all the floors are unified by the consistent use of material throughout the structure.

Tower to be shielded from harsh weather conditions

Furthermore, the tower will be shielded from harsh weather conditions such as wind and snow by a removable membrane in the winter season. This protective measure ensures the longevity and preservation of the structure.

Additionally, at dusk, the White Tower looks captivating with its distinct openings, resembling a lantern that illuminates the surrounding area.

“At dusk, the White Tower with its idiosyncratic openings appears like a lantern and becomes a lighthouse along the old Julier Pass route,” expressed the statement.

Computational design software employed

Architects use computational design software to craft the White Tower to create a distinctive and intricate design translated into a digital model.

Using a large robotic arm, thin layers of specially formulated concrete are extruded layer by layer according to the digital design to build the structure. Steel reinforcement elements may be integrated during printing to enhance structural strength. 

Achieving the desired architectural vision

After printing, finishing touches such as smoothing or adding decorative elements are applied. The printed components are then assembled on-site using modular construction techniques.

A removable membrane is installed to protect the tower from harsh winter weather. Throughout the process, careful attention is given to precision and quality control to ensure safety and achieve the desired architectural vision.

The statement highlighted the concept of circular economy, stating that plans are already in place for the White Tower’s disassembly, enabling its reconstruction elsewhere.

“The modular design allows the individual components to be easily assembled and dismantled. The elements are connected without adhesives, using removable screws.”

Source: Interesting Engineering

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Photos: World’s tallest 3D-printed tower set to be built in Swiss Alps