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| Hassell’s 3D printed community building in Hope Village |
Innovative 3D Printing Meets Local Materials in Hope Village
International design studio Hassell has unveiled a groundbreaking 3D printed community building in Hope Village, Tanzania, constructed using locally sourced earth. This initiative is part of a broader plan to establish a secure and supportive environment for vulnerable young girls in Kibaha. The project, developed in collaboration with ClarkeHopkinsClarke, also includes family housing, a school for 480 students, and childcare and skills training facilities, fostering long-term community development.
Dr. Consola Elia, the lead house parent of the children’s homes at Hope Village, highlighted the mission: "Hope Village has been set up as a rescue center for children suffering from hardship and unsafe environments across various regions in Tanzania. The entire village design will offer these children and their community facilities including a school, housing, play areas, and more."
Sustainable Design Inspired by Nature
The architectural concept integrates crisscrossing 3D printed earth walls, merging traditional materials with advanced digital fabrication techniques. A key feature of the building is its expansive canopy, crafted from short timber segments in partnership with the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC) and engineering firm Eckersley O’Callaghan. This sweeping roof structure not only enhances durability but also creates an inviting and adaptable communal space.
Each timber segment interlocks to form a flexible, woven-like surface, reinforced by a central steel spine for structural stability. The inclusion of corrugated metal sheet cladding ensures durability while maintaining a well-ventilated, open atmosphere. Inside, movable partitions allow for multifunctional use, transforming the hall from smaller rooms to a larger communal gathering area as needed.
Beyond its architectural ingenuity, the building serves as a shared resource. It houses a kitchen, bakery, and communal storage, while open access on weekends transforms the space into a hub for performances, meetings, and local events. The master plan envisions Hope Village as a landmark for education, social interaction, and opportunity within the community.
Advancing Sustainable Construction Methods
Hassell’s innovative use of 3D printing with locally available materials aligns with a global push for more sustainable construction practices. This approach reduces environmental impact by minimizing the use of energy-intensive building materials while providing employment opportunities and hands-on training for local workers.
The movement towards sustainable 3D printing has gained momentum worldwide. Italian 3D printer manufacturer WASP collaborated with Milan’s Rossana Orlandi gallery to present Gaia, an eco-friendly 3D printed house made from natural materials. This project, showcased at the Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology, highlighted the use of raw soil, natural fibers, and integrated ventilation systems to reduce CO₂ emissions in construction.
Similarly, researchers at ETH Zurich introduced Impact Printing, a robotic construction technique utilizing earth-based materials such as sand, clay, silt, and gravel. Unlike conventional cement-based 3D printing, this method significantly cuts carbon emissions by relying on locally available and recyclable materials. The process involves a robotic tool projecting materials at high velocities, enabling the construction of load-bearing structures without chemical stabilizers. The technology is expected to be commercialized within three years, offering a cost-effective, low-carbon alternative to traditional building techniques.
As global construction shifts towards more sustainable methodologies, projects like Hope Village’s 3D printed community center underscore the potential of eco-innovative design in addressing both social and environmental challenges. With a growing emphasis on locally sourced materials and advanced digital fabrication, the future of sustainable architecture looks increasingly promising.
