New Architectural Marvel in Switzerland

In the picturesque Swiss village of Mulens, nestled in the Alps, the construction of an impressive architectural structure has been completed — the Tor Alva tower, now recognized as the tallest building in the world made using 3D printing technology.

According to Dezeen, Tor Alva, also known as the White Tower, was built on the site of an old forge. Its design resembles a multi-layered cake, referencing the region's baking traditions. The tower reaches a height of 30 meters, with its main structural feature being 32 twisted hollow columns, printed using a 3D printer. The construction lasted for 5 months, while the printing of individual parts took 900 hours.

The tower has a modular design, allowing it to be dismantled and relocated easily. It consists of 4 floors, with the top floor serving as an observation deck and a stage for performances.

The project was realized by the Origen Cultural Foundation in collaboration with the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH). According to NZZ, the construction cost of the tower was 4.5 million francs, more than double the original budget.

Tor Alva will be open to tourists, with the cost of a tour being 100 francs, which includes travel and dessert tasting. However, the structure will remain in Mulens for only five years to draw attention to this dwindling village, founded in the 19th century, where only 12 people currently reside. After that, it is planned to be dismantled and relocated to another site.