3D Printed Shelters: Circular Biomaterial Refuges
848109 UE Prototyping / Design Build – Bachelor Elective Course – Summer Semester 2026
Teaching: Kilian Bauer w/ REX|LAB
Short Brief: In this course, students were challenged to design a small, single-room shelter using innovative 3D printed components made from renewable and fully biodegradable materials, while physically implementing parts of their design as a 1:1 prototype using the robotic fabrication facilities of REX|LAB. Through iterative prototyping, students investigated sustainable design strategies, circular economy principles, and advanced digital fabrication technologies such as robotic 3D printing. The course explored a novel material system based on wood sawdust paste combined with plant-fiber reinforcement and conventional construction timber, that required students to balance structural, functional, aesthetic, and ecological requirements. By combining hands-on experimentation with computational design and robotic manufacturing students gained practical experience in developing innovative architectural solutions while exploring the potential of sustainable, digitally fabricated building systems. The course provided an opportunity to merge creativity, technology, and sustainability, equipping participants with the skills and knowledge needed to contribute to the next generation of environmentally conscious architecture.
