'biomic wall' fuses ceramic 3D printing and ecological design

biomic wall: a digitally fabricated greening facade

Intertwining architecture and nature, Biomic Wall is a facade prototype that combines novel ceramic 3D printing with ecological design principles. The hydroponic wall has been developed as part of a master’s program at the University of Innsbruck in collaboration with ceraLAB and exparch.hochabu, to dynamically respond to our ever-evolving environmental landscape. Particularly, it seeks to contribute to the greening of dense urban spaces in order improve air quality, regulate the urban climate, and attenuate noise, while becoming a habitat for a variety of flora and fauna.

Biomic Wall explores the potential of transforming urban spaces | all images courtesy of the author

intertwining architecture and nature

This architectural prototype challenges the boundaries of architecture within the context of ecology, calling for a contemplation of its role as a space for cultural and biodiverse reproduction. At its core, the Biomic Wall project seeks to construct an architectural biome that responds to our current environmental context, fostering a symbiotic relationship between the built environment and nature realm.

The design team at University of Innsbruck, ceraLAB, and exparch.hochabu utilized 3D printing to allow for the formation of intricate and organic forms previously unattainable through traditional construction methods. This is expressed through Biomic Wall’s porous surface and aesthetic articulation.

the porosity and deepening of the wall allow the greening of the ceramic

the organically designed ceramics interweave symbiotically with the greenery

ceramic surfaces that transition from solid to porous

the bricks were produced with a 4mm nozzle and a resolution of 2mm

all bricks for greening after the first firing

the prototype was glazed with an underglaze and spray glaze

the metal substructure enabled the assembly row by row

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in detail, it becomes visible how overlaps and niches for flora and fauna form a biome

all bricks were biscuit fired before glazing

digitally designed bricks optimized and prepared for 3D printing

project info:

name: Biomic Wall
designer: University of Innsbruck, exparch.hochbau, ceraLAB

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edited by: ravail khan | designboom