3D Printed Earth Forest Campus / IAAC

Architects: Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC)
Photographs: Iwan Baan
Collaborator: Hassell Studio
3D Printer: World’s Advanced Saving Project (WASP)
City: Barcelona
Country: Spain

The 3D Printed Earth Forest Campus, designed by the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC) in collaboration with Hassell, is a 100-square-meter prototype built from locally sourced soil and natural materials in Collserola Natural Park near Barcelona. Initially conceived as a prototype for a project in Tanzania, it evolved from a single earth-printed wall into a full-scale pavilion, addressing the construction industry’s 39% share of global CO₂ emissions and the housing crisis. Serving as a living laboratory, the campus explores 3D printing’s adaptability through a fragmented layout that creates enclosed and open-air spaces. Constructed with a stone foundation, a stabilized earth base, and 3D-printed walls from on-site soil mixed with organic fibers and natural enzymes, its walls reach 2.5 meters in ten days. The design optimizes structural support, thermal insulation, and ventilation, with hollow cavities reducing material use while allowing space for insulation and utilities. As IAAC advances earth-based construction, the project provides valuable insights into sustainable and adaptable architecture.

The Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC) has completed the second phase of its 3D Printed Earth Forest Campus, a 100-square-meter building prototype made entirely from locally sourced soil and natural materials, showcasing a joint commitment to sustainable housing solutions. Documented by photographer Iwan Baan and located within Collserola Natural Park near Barcelona, the project represents a significant step toward the development of affordable and environmentally conscious construction methods.

Originally designed as a prototype for a future project in Tanzania, the 3D Printed Earth Forest Campus expanded from a single earth-printed wall into a full-scale pavilion through a collaboration with global architecture firm Hassell. The project tackles two major global challenges: the construction industry’s significant carbon footprint, which accounts for 39% of global CO₂ emissions, and the ongoing worldwide housing shortage.

The 3D Printed Earth Forest Campus functions as a living laboratory for experimentation and research by the IAAC team. Its fragmented layout highlights the versatility of 3D printing technology, enabling the creation of adaptable spaces that can be easily modified to meet evolving needs. Designed to accommodate a variety of environments, the campus integrates both enclosed areas and open-air spaces, showcasing the potential for personalized and flexible architectural solutions.

To reduce environmental impact, the 3D Printed Earth Forest Campus is built primarily from natural materials. The foundation consists of natural stone, while the lower portion of the walls features a solid, stabilized earth base to protect against water damage. The main walls are 3D printed using earth excavated on-site, combined with organic fibers and natural enzymes to enhance durability. This efficient and sustainable construction method allows the walls to reach a height of 2.5 meters in approximately ten days.

The 3D printing technique allows for precise control over wall design, enabling customization based on specific functional requirements. Walls are configured to provide structural support, thermal insulation, and natural ventilation, while hollow cavities help reduce material use and create space for insulation and building systems. The wall thickness is adjusted according to load-bearing needs and solar exposure, optimizing performance and efficiency. Through the 3D Printed Earth Forest Campus, the IAAC design and research team has demonstrated the potential of earth-based construction to develop sustainable, affordable, and adaptable housing solutions. As research and technology continue to evolve, the project offers valuable insights into the future of architecture and construction.