This historically forgotten Swiss village revives hope thanks to 3D printing.
In Mulegns, Switzerland, an alpine village with only 12 permanent residents, a historic building that integrates digital manufacturing, architectural art and cultural memory is increasing. The building, called “Tor Alva”, was built jointly by Olikin Cultural Foundation and Eth Zurich, and has now become the highest digital manufactured building in the world.
According to the resource database, Tor Alva was officially completed on May 20, 2025 and will be used as a multifunctional cultural space in the future to organize various cultural activities such as dramas and exhibitions. The total height of the building is 30 meters, which is equivalent to ten floors. It consists of 124 3D printed components and is built using a 3D concrete printing technology assisted by robot. The entire printing process takes more than 900 hours, which is equivalent to more than a month of continuous operation.
The most representative structural point of the white tower is its 32 concrete concrete columns of load of different shapes. Each column incorporates complex details of three different scales, thanks to an innovative construction process completed by two collaborative robots – one is responsible for the extruding of concrete and the other is located in steel bars at the same time, allowing integrated structural and functional printing.
The project aims to create a unique performance space that incorporates architecture, culture and science while revitalizing a village confronted with structural challenges. In addition, it demonstrates interdisciplinary research in Eth Zurich, promoting digital architectural practices, thus creating an innovative, rich and lasting environment.
It is understood that Mullions is located along the Julier pass in the historic Swiss Alps. It was once an essential place so that business travelers and mules cross the mountainous areas. In the 19th century, the return candies merchants built magnificent villas here, and the first operators of the hotel also promoted the prosperity of the local tourism industry and had the village prosper.
However, with changing times, the Mullions have gradually decreased and the current permanent population is only 12 years old. Now, with the implementation of the Tor Alva project and the Digital Building Technology Center, this mountain village about to disappear inaugurated the opportunity to reshape.
Finally, from July 2025, the Dome theater of the building will inaugurate the first batch of cultural performance.
