TECLA, a 3D-printed dwelling for sustainable living, takes shape

in 2019, mario cucinella architects and WASP began work on ‘TECLA’ — a 3D-printed habitat made entirely from reusable, recyclable materials taken from the local terrain. now, the project’s 3D-printing phase is complete with work continuing on the structure’s finishes. located near the italian city of bologna, the project responds to global societal issues such as exponential population increase and a lack of affordable accommodation. the team behind the project says that, COVID-19 permitting, TECLA will be presented in spring 2021.

image and video courtesy of WASP

designed by mario cucinella architects and engineered and built by 3D printing specialists WASP, TECLA will be the first house to be entirely 3D-printed using locally sourced clay — a biodegradable and recyclable material that will effectively make the building zero-waste. built using crane WASP, TECLA — named after an imaginary city described by writer italo calvino — will be the first habitat to be built using multiple collaborative 3D-printers, offering a greater scope of scale than ever before.

image courtesy of WASP

built to adapt to multiple environments, the habitat will also be suitable for self-production through the use of WASP’s ‘maker economy starter kit’. this approach will limit industrial waste and offer a sustainable model that seeks to boost national and local economies — thus improving the well-being of communities. furthermore, used in the context of a wider masterplan, TECLA has the potential to become the basis for brand new autonomous eco-cities that are off the current grid. see designboom’s previous coverage of the project here.

image © mario cucinella architects

axonometric view | image © mario cucinella architects

floor plan | image © mario cucinella architects

project info:

name: TECLA
architectural design and project management: mario cucinella architects
engineering and 3D printing construction: WASP

in collaboration with —
research partner: SOS – school of sustainability
materials consultancy and supply: mapei
structural consultancy: milan ingegneria
frames engineering and production: capoferri
bio-materials consultancy and supply: ricehouse
landscaping: frassinago
lighting design: lucifero’s
energy and internal comfort consultancy: ariatta
timber solutions consultancy and supply: imola legno
earthen floor supply: primat • terracruda
electrical solutions supply: cefla