Architectural practice: Mario Cucinella Architects

Project name/title: Tecla House

Client name: N/A

Location: Massa Lombarda, Italy

Constructed & Engineered by: WASP

Completion year: 2021

The Tecla House is made from 30 stacked layers of 3D printed clay sourced from a nearby riverbed. It is the result of a collaboration between WASP (pioneers in 3D printing) and Mario Cucinella Architects. WASP take inspiration from the potter wasp, who make their habitats out of readily available earth on site. 

Combining modern technology (3D printing) and an ancient building material (clay), Tecla proposes a low-carbon, climate adaptable housing model that utilises recyclable materials available on site. It has been developed using in depth research by the School of Sustainability and each housing module can be built within 200 hours using just 6KW of energy with little construction waste. The project is driven by a global need for affordable housing and changing the way we currently construct homes.