Play Clay – A living lab for sustainable construction in the city of Winterthur (Grüze)

The project aims to realize and conduct a long-term evaluation of an experimental structure made from 3D-printed clay modules at the Innovation Lab in Winterthur. Conceived as a Living Lab, it demonstrates the potential of digital fabrication for sustainable construction methods and showcases insights from an ongoing research project.

Large-scale 3D-printed clay modules before assembly.

Key data

Description

The "Play Clay"-project aims to design and construct a permanent, full-scale architectural installation – the “Lehmraum” – in collaboration with the City of Winterthur, located at its newly established Innovation Centre and interdisciplinary platform in Grüze.

Building on an ongoing research collaboration (Innosuisse 105.529 IP-ENG, earthprinting) with our industry partner Brauchli Ziegelei and its brand coeurdeterre, the project demonstrates how large-scale 3D-printed clay modules, combined with complementary materials, can enable innovative and sustainable construction methods.

The installation showcases the potential of these techniques to produce environmentally responsible and architecturally compelling structures, responding to the growing demand for sustainable alternatives within the construction sector. Through this initiative, the project seeks to encourage the wider adoption of resource-efficient, digitally driven approaches to architecture and construction, aligned with contemporary sustainability objectives.