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

In May 2025, the village of Mulegns, Switzerland, became home to the world's tallest 3D-printed building, Tor Alva ("White Tower"). Standing at 30 meters (approximately 98.5 feet), this architectural marvel was designed by architect Michael Hansmeyer and ETH Zurich Professor Benjamin Dillenburger. The project was a collaboration between ETH Zurich and the Origen Cultural Foundation, aiming to revitalize the depopulated village and showcase advancements in digital construction techniques.(GovTech, New Atlas, ETH Zürich)

Tor Alva comprises 32 intricately designed white concrete columns that ascend over four stories, culminating in a dome-like structure at the top. The construction employed an innovative additive manufacturing process, where robots applied layers of specially formulated concrete without the need for traditional formwork. This method allowed for the creation of complex, load-bearing structures with intricate ornamental designs.(Engineering and Technology)

A unique aspect of the construction was the integration of reinforcement during the printing process. While one robot extruded the concrete, another inserted ring-shaped steel reinforcements every 20 centimeters, supplemented by vertical rebars added post-printing. This approach ensured the structural integrity of the tower, marking a significant advancement in 3D-printed architecture.(Metalocus, ETH Zürich)

Tor Alva serves not only as a testament to technological innovation but also as a cultural beacon. The tower is open daily for guided tours and is set to host performances starting in July. Designed for disassembly and relocation, it is expected to remain in Mulegns for approximately five years before potentially being re-erected elsewhere.(michael-hansmeyer.com, Engineering and Technology)

This project exemplifies the fusion of cutting-edge technology with cultural and artistic endeavors, offering a glimpse into the future of sustainable and innovative architectural practices.(ETH Zürich)