A new architectural wonder now rises in the Swiss Alps. Tor Alva, or “White Tower,” is the tallest 3D printed building in the world. Located in Mulegns, a tiny village in the canton of Graubünden, this 30-metre-tall 3D printed concrete tower blends digital design, sustainable materials, and cultural heritage.

A Fresh Approach to Construction

ETH Zurich and the Origen cultural foundation created this project together. The team designed and built the tower without using traditional concrete moulds. Instead, robots printed the structure layer by layer. This process saves time, reduces material waste, and allows for more creative shapes.

The tower’s form is inspired by local history. Its delicate, layered columns echo the cakes and plasterwork once made by skilled artisans from the region. As the columns rise, they become thinner and branch out like trees, forming a dome at the top.

Smart Materials for a Circular Future

To print the tower, the team used a new type of concrete. It needed to be soft enough to shape, but strong enough to hold its form quickly. Professor Robert Flatt from ETH Zurich developed this special mix. Just before the concrete left the robot’s nozzle, two additives were blended into it. These helped create the droplet-like textures on the surface.

This is the first 3D printed tower with load-bearing parts. While one robot printed the concrete, another robot added steel rings every 20 to 26 centimetres. Workers added vertical steel bars afterward. Together, these methods made the tower stable and safe without heavy moulds or extra materials.

Designing for Reuse and Mobility

The team built the tower in sections over five months in ETH’s lab. Then, they assembled the parts in a nearby village and transported them to Mulegns. Because of its modular design, the tower can be taken apart and rebuilt elsewhere. This feature supports circular construction and reduces building waste.

The base of the tower connects to a historic coach house in the village. This blend of old and new architecture helps the structure fit into the local landscape. The entire project highlights how digital tools can preserve tradition while offering modern solutions.

Breathing Life into a Dying Village

Mulegns now has fewer than 20 residents. The creators of Tor Alva hope the tower will attract visitors and spark new interest in the area. Starting in May 2025, people can visit the tower on guided tours. From July, it will also host theatre and music performances.

According to ETH President Joël Mesot, the tower shows how research and industry can work together. Architect Michael Hansmeyer adds that the process gives designers a new creative language. Using robotics and smart materials opens up endless possibilities for design and sustainability.

A Model for Future Construction

Tor Alva proves that digital design and automated building can work at a large scale. It cuts down on labour and material costs while allowing for more artistic freedom. More importantly, it shows that construction can become more sustainable and circular.

For architects, product designers, and builders, this project offers a glimpse into the future. It’s not just about building something new—it’s about rethinking how we build and why.

Source: ETH Zurich
Photos: Michael Hansmeyer / Ana Anton / Girts Apskalns / ETH Zurich