Matter Matters: Designing with the World opens on February 21st, 2025, at Disseny Hub Barcelona (DHub). The exhibition, curated by Olga Subirós, explores how materials define contemporary design, addressing resource scarcity and sustainability challenges.

The Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC) presents a selection of experimental models developed through its research on 3D printing with earth and cross-laminated timber (CLT). These works are not standalone projects, but rather part of an ongoing investigation into new fabrication techniques and material applications.

3D-Printed Earth Research – Exploring New Construction Techniques

IAAC’s contribution includes four scaled models that emerged from its exploration of digitally fabricated earthen architecture. These structures represent key findings from full-scale initiatives developed at IAAC:

  • Digital Adobe (3DPA 2018) – A study on how 3D printing can reinterpret traditional adobe construction, improving efficiency while maintaining the environmental benefits of raw earth.
  • Tova (3DPA 2022) – A small-scale version of the research that led to Tova, IAAC’s first full-scale, 3D-printed earthen building.
  • Teixit (3DPA 2024) – A test model focused on optimizing structure and thermal performance through patterned surface geometries.
  • Light Performance Wall (3DPA 2019) – A large-scale 3D-printed segment that integrates light diffusion, examining the relationship between material density and spatial experience.

Each of these experimental pieces represents a phase in the research process, showcasing IAAC’s investigations into material properties, fabrication precision, and environmental performance.

Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) from Valldaura – A Circular Approach to Wood Construction

Alongside its research in earthen materials, IAAC is also exhibiting a cross-laminated timber (CLT) panel produced entirely from wood sourced at Valldaura Labs. This structural component demonstrates the potential of locally harvested and processed timber as an alternative to industrial construction materials.

The display also includes documentation and images of Voxel Cabin, a quarantine shelter constructed using CLT, designed at IAAC as part of the Master in Advanced Ecological Buildings & Biocities (MAEBB).

Why This Research Matters

The displayed models serve as physical representations of research findings, demonstrating how digital fabrication and material innovation can enhance sustainable construction. Their inclusion in Matter Matters underscores IAAC’s dedication to developing ecological building solutions through applied experimentation.

Plan Your Visit

Join us to explore how 3D printing and CLT are redefining sustainable construction.

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