Our latest collaboration with Lib Work introduces the groundbreaking Lib Earth House Model B—a full-scale residential prototype that marries 3D-printed soil walls with widely adopted timber frames. This innovative approach demonstrates how natural materials and digital fabrication can create environmentally conscious homes that meet modern living standards. Spanning approximately 100m², Model B showcases our hybrid construction method, merging advanced 3D printing technology with mainstream Japanese wooden housing techniques. The design features self-supporting soil walls reaching 3m in height, deep eaves, and a cluster-type layout that seamlessly connects living spaces with nature. By optimising soil-based materials and printing paths, we have achieved both structural integrity and aesthetic freedom. This milestone project opens new possibilities for sustainable architecture. By combining earth’s natural properties with digital innovation, we are creating homes that not only reduce environmental impact but also provide thermal comfort. The success of Model B proves that sustainable construction can be both practical and architecturally expressive, setting a new standard for eco-conscious residential design. Explore more: https://bit.ly/4o5wTdt #WeAreArup #SustainableArchitecture #3DPrinting #Innovation #Japan #LibWork
Impressive work. Curious how sound insulation is handled between rooms with 3D-printed walls.
Looks like a proper future tech. Smart and sustainable.
Love to see Arup involved in 3D printing projects!
Really love to see this! We hope to collaborate with you guys on a 3D-Printed Living Seawall project! Kind Designs
Architect | Creative AI | Spatial Narratives | Speculative Design + Emerging Technology | Gritnova Global Campus
1dA strong and well-structured proposal. It effectively integrates environmental, socio-cultural, and technical-economic factors as part of the design logic rather than external constraints. This kind of work illustrates how architecture can translate complex territorial and social conditions into coherent spatial and constructive strategies — where sustainability is not a label, but a measurable outcome of the design process.