Barcelona, Spain: The first zero waste, near zero CO2 emission footprint, 3D-printed building

The first building created by earth-mix material and a 3D printer is being constructed at Valldaura Labs in Barcelona, Spain. Specifically, researchers of the 3D Printing Architecture (3dPA) postgraduate program at the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC), with the aid of students, are researching innovative methods in the construction section. The main goal of the project is to construct a building that will use only local materials and labor, will be zero-waste and will keep the carbon emission footprint to a minimum level. This project aims to address future social and environmental challenges amidst global climate and housing crises.

In addition, this postgraduate program at IAAC was developed to explore the possibilities of 3D printing while at the same time itwill introduce young architects and academics to the future of the construction industry.

The prototype of this innovative idea was constructed in Spain and used sustainable and environmentally friendly locally sourced materials. They managed to generate zero waste while they collected all the materials within a 50-meter radius. The main material of the construction was a local earth-mix with additives and enzymes to address structural stability and material elasticity for optimized 3D printing. Moreover, for the foundation they used geopolymer while the roof was wooden. For the construction they used the Crane Wasp printer and it was completed in 7 weeks. 

Furthermore, according to the study the researchers, to achieve durability and weather resistance, made a waterproof coat that was a mix of aloe and egg whites. The building was designed with consideration of Mediterranean climate conditions and hence it is designed to offer protection in winter with wall cavities that provide insulation and minimize heat loss, while it uses outdoor space during other seasons.

In all, the institute and researchers with this project managed to reduce the CO₂ emissions from 36%, which is typical of traditional building methods, to near-zero emissions, emphasizing the significance of this approach. Also, the prototype can be used as an example for sustainable housing worldwide offering a promising solution to housing accessibility in less privileged areas.