The structure, designed by architect Michael Hansmeyer and ETH Zürich Professor of Digital Building Technologies Benjamin Dillenburger, features 32 white concrete columns that taper and form a domed crown. Using generative algorithmic methods, two industrial robots printed the components without traditional casting molds. Giovanni Netzer, founder of the Origen cultural foundation, stated: “I was fascinated by the interplay between digital design, traditional craftsmanship, cultural memory and artistic form. The White Tower is more than a technical triumph — it inspires the building sector, encourages sustainable tourism and offers new cultural space.”
The construction process involved two robots working in tandem: one applied layers of concrete, while the other added ring-shaped reinforcements every 20 centimeters, enabling the columns to function as load-bearing shells. A specialized concrete mixture, enhanced with two ingredients added just before extrusion, created a distinctive droplet-like texture on the columns. Printing took five months at ETH Zürich’s Hönggerberg campus, with components assembled in the nearby village of Savognin before being transported to Mulegns for final installation.
Drawing inspiration from a local layered cake unique to the region, the design also reflects the architectural heritage of Switzerland’s Grisons region, known for its Baroque builders. The project not only demonstrates innovative construction technology but also aims to boost sustainable tourism and cultural engagement in Mulegns, offering the village new opportunities for growth.
The “Tor Alva” initiative highlights the potential of digital fabrication in construction, blending modern technology with cultural and artistic elements to create a landmark that supports both innovation and community development.
