Energy Efficient Design for 3D Printed Earth Architecture

Abstract

Additive manufacturing with mud has the potential to reintroduce traditional materials within our contemporary design culture, answering the current demands of sustainability, energy efficiency and cost in construction. Building upon previous research, this study proposes the design and test of real-scale wall elements that aim to take advantage of both the novel material fabrication process as well as the significant thermodynamic properties of the material to achieve a performative passive material system for bioclimatic architecture. Although this project is still at an early stage, the presented study demonstrates the potential of combining 3D printing of mud with performance analysis and simulation for the optimization of a wall prototype.