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Amidst the quaint centuries-old cottages, a grand white tower in Switzerland rises conspicuously.
Constructed by robots It’s the world's tallest 3D-printed structure, standing at nearly 100 feet (30 meters) tall.
To provide some context, that exceeds the length of six double-decker buses stacked end to end!
Referred to as Tor Alva (meaning 'White Tower'), this shining white structure in the tiny village of Mulegns provides a fresh draw for tourists and serves as a cultural center.
Tor Alva is designed to resemble a tiered cake, honoring the area’s baking heritage, and also draws inspiration from filigree, a delicate metalworking method often employed in jewelry creation.
Giovanni Netzer, who established the Origen Cultural Foundation, referred to the structure as "a technical marvel." He collaborated with ETH Zurich on both designing and constructing the tower.
'Mr. Netzer stated that it motivates the construction industry, promotes eco-friendly travel, and creates additional cultural venues.'
Now it’s accessible to everyone – so, do you have the courage to climb it?
The White Tower, which was inaugurated on May 20, is now accessible every day for guided tours and will feature live performances starting in July.
At the pinnacle lies a cupola theater, an awe-inspiring performance area known for its stunning vistas of the nearby mountains.
ETH Zurich states that the 32-unit tower is intended to function as a cultural center and to help revitalize a village at risk of losing inhabitants due to depopulation.
Mulegns is now inhabited by just about a dozen people – a significant decrease from approximately 140 in 1900, 50 in 1980, and 30 in 2000.
Sadly, the steeply declining population figures suggest that it could become completely deserted, transforming it into an empty ghost town.
The project’s website states, 'Tor Alva infuses fresh energy into an historic neighborhood while establishing a worldwide benchmark for sustainable and culturally dynamic growth.'
Experts say that the tower, which embodies the 'symbiotic relationship' between 'architecture, culture, and science,' consists of 32 distinct 3D-printed pillars.
Every column features a striking arrangement of shapes and detailed embellishments across various sizes, bestowing the structure with a mysterious and ethereal quality.
A custom blend of concrete was employed, applied layer by layer using large robotic arms that were guided by detailed plans and directives.
Created by Professor Robert Flatt at ETH Zurich's Institute for Building Materials, the mixture needed to be pliable enough to adhere well during complex formations, yet firm up rapidly to hold each additional layer.
It required five months to print the columns at the ETH Hönggerberg campus located outside Zurich, approximately 80 miles distant.
The components were subsequently put together in Savognin and transported to Mulegns using the Julier route with a large truck. They were later installed atop a structure that previously served as a smithy.
'The White Tower stands as a testament to innovative architectural design and pioneering technological integration, showcasing the revolutionary possibilities offered by computational design and digital fabrication in building and construction,' the specialists further explain.
'Employing 3D printing allows for a daring and unconventional method in architecture, providing an extensive variety of shapes and structures.'
The exact amount spent on this project remains uncertain; however, comparable extensive printing initiatives typically surpass 1 million Swiss Francs (£880,000). Concrete Connect reports.
MailOnline has reached out to ETH Zurich for additional details.
Mulegns is merely a temporary location for the Tor Alva; by 2030, after staying there for five years, the tower will be disassembled and relocated to benefit another community instead.
It is expected that by then, Mullegns' population will recover due to the media attention brought by Tor Alva and the resulting increase in tourism.
In the 19th century, the mountain town thrived as former expatriate candy makers constructed lavish mansions, and early hotel entrepreneurs developed a prosperous tourist sector.
More and more often, 3D printing is being selected as a preferred technique for construction because it helps minimize human labor and expedite the building process.
One A company named Mighty Buildings based in the US is providing customizable 3D-printed homes starting at $100,000 (£75,000) designed for placement in your backyard.
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