In the tranquil Swiss village of Mulegns (population 11), an architectural marvel called Tor Alva pierces the skyline at 30 meters (98.5 feet)—the world’s tallest 3D-printed structure. Likened to an ornate layered wedding cake, its 32 white concrete columns rise over four stories before fanning out into a delicate dome, honoring the legacy of Graubünden confectioners who once spread their craft across Europe.
Developed by ETH Zurich in partnership with the Nova Fundaziun Origen cultural foundation, Tor Alva’s load-bearing components were printed off-site in sections over 900 hours and assembled atop an existing base. The mix of automation and artisanal detail eliminated traditional formwork, cutting material use by 40% and showcasing a carbon-recapturing concrete blend.
Visitors step inside a cylindrical core where a single staircase coils through each floor, culminating in a performance space at the top. This “white tower” not only demonstrates the future of digital construction, it fuels rural revitalization—drawing tourists to Mulegns and spotlighting sustainable design in remote communities.
As Tor Alva prepares for its inaugural performances this summer, the project bridges centuries of Swiss craftsmanship with cutting-edge robotics. In Mulegns, tradition and technology stand hand in hand—reminding us that innovation can honor heritage while elevating it to new heights.