3D-printed clay building prototype looks to sustainable address population growth

In Italy, an architecture firm and 3D printing tech company are building a prototype dwelling from clay and rice cultivation waste to illustrate the potential for eco-friendly housing options for the world’s rapidly growing population.

Mario Cucinella Architects and WASP (World’s Advanced Saving Project) are building the TECLA prototype near Bologna. TECLA was designed in collaboration with Mario Cucinella’s School of Sustainability and the Sustainable Environmental Design program at the Architectural Association School of Architecture in London. TECLA, which will be the first house built using multiple 3D printers, is  energy-efficient and can withstand multiple climates. RiceHouse consulted on the use of  materials made from rice husk and straw

Printing of TECLA began in 2019 and is set to end in early 2020. The United Nations expects the global population to reach 11.2 billion by 2100.