Tallest 3D-Printed Building In The World To Illuminate The Skies Of Swiss Alps

Image: Hansmeyer/Dillenburger, via ETH Zurich and featured with permission

Nestled in the scenic Julier mountain pass of Mulegns, Switzerland, stands Tor Alva, also affectionately known as the “Weisser Turm” or White Tower. It’s set to be the world’s tallest 3D-printed building at a staggering 98 feet, shooting above Dar Al Arkan’s 32-foot structure.

Surprisingly, height won’t be its greatest measure. Tor Alva will be a cultural hub for the Fundaziun Origen to house art installations and performances, paying deep homage to the culture of Mulegns.

Visitors to the tower can experience its unique design firsthand by ascending its spiral staircase, passing through a series of colonnades to reach a chamber stage at the pinnacle. This intimate venue, seating 45 guests, is tailor-made for concerts and theater performances, offering a one-of-a-kind cultural experience high in the Swiss Alps.

Image: Hansmeyer/Dillenburger, via ETH Zurich and featured with permission

The building’s construction showcases the innovative work coming out of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH), utilizing a novel 3D-printing process that emphasizes sustainability and efficiency. By employing robotic concrete extrusion, the construction process significantly cuts down on material waste, allowing for the creation of expressive shapes and detailed textures that define Tor Alva’s distinctive appearance.

Image: Hansmeyer/Dillenburger, via ETH Zurich and featured with permission

Intertwined around its architecture are 32 branching columns, 3D-printed to support the structure’s various levels and form its façade. These pillars transition from heavy and squat at the base to lighter and airier as they ascend, creating a dynamic spatial experience that culminates in the tower’s lantern-like top floor.

Image: Hansmeyer/Dillenburger, via ETH Zurich and featured with permission

Image: Hansmeyer/Dillenburger, via ETH Zurich and featured with permission

The use of white concrete not only gives the building a delicate, filigree appearance but also delicately plays with light and shadow. Tor Alva shines its brightest at night when it transforms into a beacon along the old Julier Pass road.

Image: Hansmeyer/Dillenburger, via ETH Zurich and featured with permission

Turning traditional construction methods on their head, the tower’s components are printed with precision, reinforced with rebar for strength, and designed for disassembly, allowing it to be relocated if necessary. As it prepares to host its inaugural performances this year, Tor Alva stands as a symbol of invention, poised to leave a lasting impact.

[via Yanko Design and Euronews, images by Hansmeyer/Dillenburger, via ETH Zurich and featured with permission]