3D Printing of Architectural Facades

Revolutionizing Building Envelopes with Innovative 3D Printing Technology

Florian Schatz's project focuses on developing different typologies of facades using 3D printing, with a strong emphasis on performance, form, and structure. By capitalizing on additive manufacturing technology, Schatz aims to create a structural tropical envelope that integrates shading, ventilation, climate responsiveness, and vertical greening for high-rise buildings and industrial estates.

The use of 3D printing allows for the creation of complex forms and functional integration, designed in harmony with the passive principles of the tropics. Through digital climatic simulations and extensive prototyping, Schatz and his team have designed and printed over 150 facade modules using PLA as scale models in various sizes, ranging from 1:100 to 1:1.

These printed modules serve as both structural elements and molds for casting modular prefabricated concrete parts for facade applications. The result is a groundbreaking combination of innovative design, construction rigor, structural integrity, and an unprecedented expression of architectural space.

The project utilizes an Ultimaker 2 3D printer and PLA as the basic material for printing. The facade base measures 20 cm x 6 cm at a scale of 1:100, with a height of 22 cm. The entire facade is designed and printed at a scale of 1:100, allowing for detailed exploration and refinement of the design.

One of the key aspects of the project is the interaction between the design and the printing process. The team approaches the printing of the facade in two ways: creating models of complex structural forms and producing complex formwork for prefabricating concrete structural members. This approach ensures that the architectural form and structural system are optimized within the limitations of 3D printing components.

While the additive manufacturing of single structural members can be time and cost-intensive, the use of printed models and molds allows for testing and elaboration of future mock-up units. It also opens up new possibilities for rethinking the printing process of objects, molds, and casts. By printing structural-optimized systems, climate-responsive shapes, and molds, the project pushes the boundaries of structure, space, and porosity, giving additive manufacturing a real purpose in architecture.

Florian Schatz's 3D printing project was conducted in Singapore from July 2016 to August 2018. The research and design team extensively studied and simulated the environmental performance of more than 150 different facade typologies for tropical environments. The resulting prototypes showcase layers of unseen form, complex structures, and modular elements that enable a faster production and construction process.

This groundbreaking project by Florian Schatz has garnered significant attention and recognition. It was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in 2018, a prestigious accolade that celebrates well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. The project's integration of industry best practices, competent technical characteristics, and positive impact on the built environment make it a true game-changer in the field of architecture.

Images and photo credits belong to Studio Florian Schätz, 2018. All intellectual property and copyright rights are reserved by Florian Schätz, 2018.