In Spring 2021, in Massa Lombarda (Ravenna, Italy), the 3D Printing company WASP completed the world’s first fully 3D printed house constructed using natural materials and multiple 3D printers operating simultaneously. It represents an innovative habitat model engineered by WASP and designed by Mario Cucinella Architects. TECLA is a circular model of housing entirely created with reusable and recyclable materials sourced from local soil, making it carbon-neutral and adaptable to various climates and contexts.
TECLA (which takes its name from Technology and Clay) combines innovation and sustainability. It uses cutting-edge 3D printing technology with eco-conscious design principles. Utilizing WASP’s Cranes, vision, and technology, we can witness the potential of 3D printing to revolutionize construction, with materials locally sourced and waste minimized. Guided by Cucinella’s vision and WASP’s commitment to circular economy principles, TECLA offers a glimpse into a future where homes can be built with minimal environmental impact, all at the push of a button.
The potter wasp building technique is a fascinating model for sustainable construction practices. Potter wasps, known for their complex mud nests, demonstrate how natural materials can be utilized effectively to create durable structures. By emulating this technique, innovators like WASP have developed viable construction processes that prioritize circular economy principles and digital fabrication. The potter wasp building technique highlights the importance of drawing inspiration from the natural world to advance sustainable building methods.