- Dimensions
- Height: 30.0 m including an existing base
- Diameter: 7.0 m to 9.0 m
- Theater
- Capacity: 36 visitors
- Total height: 8.0m, covered by dome
- Structure
- Four levels with 32 3D-printed columns
- Double dome made of 32 branching columns
- Columns are reinforced and fully structural
- 124 3D-printed elements in total
- 3D Print
- 2500 extruded concrete layers in total
- 10 mm layer height, 15-20 mm layer width
- Total robot path length: 250 kilometers
- Total print time: 900 hours
- Ornament
- Columns each have three scales of articulation
- Each column has a unique material-driven ornament
- Façade
- Removable flouscrim membrane
- Location
- Mulegns, Switzerland; on the Julier Pass
- Architecture
- Benjamin Dillenburger (ETHZ DBT)
- Michael Hansmeyer
- Team DBT: Ana Anton (Research lead), Elena Skevaki, CheWei Lin,
- Ming-Yang Wang, Lena Kitani, Su Huang, Konrad Grasser (ZHAW)
- Supporting Structure
- Walter Kaufmann (CSBD)
- Alexandro Giraldo Soto, Lukas Gebhard; Lucia Licciardello
- Building Materials
- Robert Flatt (PCBM), Timothy Wrangler, Lex Reiter
- Geodesy
- Andreas Wieser (CSEG)
- Robotic Fabrication Laboratory
- Mike Lyrenmann, Philippe Fleischmann, Tobias Hartman,
- Lucas Petrus, Jonathan Leu
- Client
- Nova Fundaziun Origen, Giovanni Netzer
- Team Nova Fundaziun Origen
- Torry Trautmann, Rebecca Süderhauf,
- Phillip Bühler, Sandro Provino
- Site Management
- Invias AG, Diego Casparin
- Nova Fundaziun Origen: Anja Diener
- Master Builder
- Zindel+Co. AG (Zindel United), Nico Russi
- Battaglia Bau AG (Uffer Gruppe), Sascha Pittet
- Structural Engineer
- Conzett Bronzini Partner AG, Jürg Conzett
- Building Physics
- mk bauphysik, Martin Kant
- Companies Involved
- Industrial Robots: ABB
- Construction Chemistry: Sika
- Material 3D Print: BASF, Knauf
- Robotic Reinforcement: Mesh
- Printed Formwork: Saeki
- Precast Concrete Parts: Creabeton AG
- Cement 3D Printing: Aalborg
- Accelerated 3D Printing: Alamatis
- Concrete Monitoring: Duramon
- Electrical System: TGA Solutions GmbH, Markus Furer
- Electrical Installation: Elektro Savoldelli, Claudio Savoldelli
- Lighting Planning / Design: Tokyoblue GmbH, Serge Schmuki
- Lightning Protection Systems: Cavegn AG, Renzo Cavegn
- Waterproofing Work / Special Floor Covering: Bautas AG, Claudio Farrer
- Facade Construction, Membrane: Bieri Tenta AG, Richnerstutz
- Carpentry Work: Poltera Holzbau AG, Meinrad Poltera
- Restoration Work Wood & Stone: Aaron und Sabine Bellini, Rizzi Malerei GmbH
- Concrete Cosmetics: Bürgin Creations, Theo Bürgin
- Locking Systems: Weber Prevost, Andrin Riedi
- Scaffolding: Luzi Gerüste, Yannick Landolt
- Global Partners
- ETH-Foundation
- ETH Zurich
- Uffer Gruppe
- Zindel United
- Main Partners
- Municipality Surses
- Sika
- Partners
- BASF
- Knauf
- Conzett Bronzini Partner AG
- Patrons
- Renate Sick Glaser
- Spyros N. Niarchos
- Padrins von Mulegns
- N.N.
The Tor Alva / White Tower project was launched by Fundaziun Origen on June 22nd, 2021 in Mulegns, Switzerland. The launch ceremony was attended by Swiss President Guy Parmelin, Graubünden Canton President Mario Cavigelli, and Surses Municipality President Leo Thomann.
The completed White Tower was officially unveiled at a ceremony on May 20th 2025, when a helicopter dramatically lifted the protective membrane before 300 guests, revealing the 3D-printed concrete structure and opening it to the public.
| 2021 | Planning and approval of the tower | |
| 2022 | Construction of a full-scale demonstration floor | |
| 2023 | Structural tests of reinforced columns | |
| Studies of ornamental systems | ||
| 2024 | January: Start of 3D column fabrication | |
| June: Tower assembly begins | ||
| 2025 | May: Unveiling of the tower | |
| June: First performances in the theater | ||
| 2030 | Planned disassembly of the tower |
CheWei Lin
CheWei Lin
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Architectura VivaTor Alva, la torre impresa en 3D
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BaublattWeisser Turm in Mulegns: Schauspielturm im WerdenDE
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BlickEin Weisser Turm für MulegnsDE
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Corriere Della SeraCostruito? No, questo palazzo è stampatoIT
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Daily MailWorld's tallest 3D-printed Building is Unveiled in SwitzerlandEN
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Der StandardEin kleines Schweizer Dorf [...]DE
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DetailEin kleines Dorf will hoch hinausDE
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DetailWhite Tower at the Julier PassEN
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Engadiner PostOrigens neuster Streich in MulegnsDE
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EspaziumTra fabbricazione digitale e memoria storica
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ETH NewsCultural site and pioneering construction from a 3D printer
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EuroNewsDying Swiss village set for revival as home to the world's tallest 3D-printed towerEN
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ForbesIn a Tiny Swiss Town, a Giant 3D-Printed Tower RisesEN
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Frankfurter AllgemeineDieser Turm kommt aus dem 3D-DruckerDE
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HochparterreDruckbeginn für den Weissen TurmDE
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Hors Site29 mètres jusqu'au cielFR
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Le TempsUne tour de béton de 23 mètresFR
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Neue Zürcher ZeitungDie ETH Zürich fabriziert das höchste gänzlich digital gedruckte Bauwerk der Welt...DE
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Neue Zürcher ZeitungZu viel Spektakel für das unspektuläre DorfDE
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New ScientistWorld's Tallest 3D-printed TowerEN
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New York PostWorld's Tallest 3D-printed Tower has been UnveiledEN
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SRFEin Hochhaus aus dem 3D DruckerDE
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SwissBauEin 30 Meter-Betonturm aus dem DruckerDE
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SwissInfoProjet de tour de 23m...
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ZeitDieser Turm stammt aus einem 3D-DruckerDE
Qiming Sun
The White Tower's theater from above
Qiming Sun