30 meters tall, 3D printed Tor Alva unveiled in the Swiss Alps
Built by ETH, the White Tower is now the tallest 3D printed structure in the world
In the heart of the Swiss Alps, nestled in the village of Mulegns, a striking new landmark is rising: standing 30 meters tall, the Tor Alva, or White Tower, is set to become the tallest 3D printed building in the world. Conceived as a beacon for the performing arts and a marvel of digital construction, this monument is a feat of engineering and a lifeline for a village facing the risk of cultural and demographic decline.
Developed through the powerful collaboration between the Nova Fundaziun Origen and ETH Zurich—along with a constellation of local, national, and international partners—the White Tower embodies the perfect blend of tradition and innovation. The initiative reaches far beyond architecture, forging a deep connection between history, community, and cutting-edge digital fabrication technologies.
At its core, the Tor Alva is an immersive performance space. With a unique cupola theater suspended high above the rooftops, surrounded by a surreal forest of intricately 3D printed columns, the structure redefines what a cultural venue can be. These columns—32 in total—are each distinct, sculpted with delicate ornamentation that echoes Baroque influences while fully leveraging modern 3D-printing capabilities. The effect is awe-inspiring and intimate, a dance of light and shadow that transforms performances into multisensory experiences.
The story of Mulegns adds even greater depth to this groundbreaking project. Once a flourishing hub for tourism and entrepreneurship during the 19th century, the village thrived as emigrant confectioners returned to build elegant villas and hotel pioneers established bustling enterprises. Today, with a dwindling population of just twelve, Mulegns stands at the crossroads of history and hope. The White Tower becomes more than an architectural marvel—a symbol of resilience and renewal.
This revitalization effort is anchored by the Centre for Digital Building Technologies, a joint initiative by ETH Zurich and the Origen Cultural Foundation. Here, architecture is reimagined not just as form and function, but as a living, evolving force capable of breathing new life into communities. Through innovative material-efficient construction, the tower reduces waste while showcasing the incredible potential of 3D printed concrete. The involvement of ETH Zurich’s departments—including the Chair of Structural Engineering, Robotic Fabrication Laboratory, and the Institut für Baustoffe—ensures the project is grounded in rigorous research and technical excellence.
The architectural vision of Benjamin Dillenburger and Michael Hansmeyer, supported by a dynamic team including Ana Anton, Eleni Skevaki, and Konrad Graser, gives the tower its otherworldly presence. Their design fuses the digital with the poetic, shaping a space that is both futuristic and deeply rooted in regional heritage. Construction management by Invias AG and structural engineering from Conzett Bronzini Partner AG bring the vision into reality. At the same time, industry collaborators like BASF Schweiz AG, Sika, and Knauf contribute the materials and technologies that make this ambitious structure possible.
Tor Alva is a testament to what interdisciplinary collaboration can achieve when art, science, and community unite. It represents a sustainable model for the future, where even the most remote alpine villages can become centers of innovation and inspiration. With its luminous white columns rising toward the sky, the White Tower stands as a symbol of what can be achieved when we dare to build for utility, beauty, culture, and collective memory.
