In the Swiss village of Mulegns, a new ice cream parlour combines tradition with cutting-edge technology. The Gelateria Mulegns is the result of a collaboration between Origen, ETH Zurich and the Uffer Group. The building demonstrates how reused timber and recycled plastic can create innovative, circular architecture.

Tradition Meets Digital Fabrication

From the outside, the pavilion recalls the silhouette of a traditional Alpine stable. Inside, however, it tells a different story. Locally sourced solid wood, much of it reclaimed from Origen’s theatre productions, forms the supporting structure. Timber experts prefabricated the elements before assembling them into a lightweight, origami-like geometry. A translucent shell wraps around the structure, allowing natural light to filter through while revealing the colourful interior.

A Dome of Recycled Plastic

At the heart of the building is a striking 3D printed dome made of recycled PETG, a plastic commonly used in food packaging. ETH Zurich’s Robotic Fabrication Lab developed the large-scale element with a robot-assisted extrusion process. The students adapted this technique to create a dome that covers 250 square metres but weighs less than one ton. The dome can be dismantled, shredded and reprinted, showing the potential of recyclable plastic in architectural design.

Designed for Circularity

Every element of the Gelateria Mulegns follows a circular design principle. The wooden structure can be reused or reassembled, while the plastic dome is recyclable and adaptable for future projects. The pavilion demonstrates how architecture can integrate heritage, digital design, and material innovation in a sustainable way.

The project is not only a local attraction but also an inspiring example for architects, interior designers and product developers exploring new uses for reclaimed and recyclable materials. By merging cultural references with advanced fabrication, the Gelateria Mulegns points towards a new generation of sustainable design.

Source: Nova Fundaziun Origen / ETH Zurich / Quadrin
Photos: Quadrin