Pylos - Large scale 3D Printing by IAAC

Pylos portrays the interest to develop 3D printing as a large scale construction method, moreover developed with natural, biodegradable, recyclable and locally found materials, an undeniable interest particularly in this time of economic and environmental crisis.

This material can not be other than soil. The project focuses on the natural properties of soil. Earth, or Soil, as a construction material has been used since Neolithic times. The advantages of an earth - soil structure are primarily related to both the environment and economy, being secure and friendly to our environment. Soil also offers the benefits of natural insulation, fire protection, air circulation, low first cost, 100% recyclable structures, stiffness, great strength, thermal flywheel effect, low green house emissions, regulating the climate and providing a healthy Indoor environment.

The project focuses on the behavior of the soil when mixed with other ingredients, towards a better understanding of the material, and potential composites.
The material results obtained through the development of the first phase of this research project are extremely promising a new, more than 96% based in soil, material that has 3 times higher tensile strength from industrial hard clay.

The importance of the material chosen for the research is not related only to the unlimited existing quantity but also to decrease the emerging degree of embodied energy within the fabrication process, transportation hazards and production independent of electricity, fuel availability and green houses effects.

The project is also inspired by one of unbaked soil properties . Soil can be recycled an indefinite number of times over an extremely long period. Old dry loam can be reused after soaking in water, so loam never becomes a waste material that harms the environment.

Project credits:
Researcher : Sofoklis Giannakopoulos
Research advisor : Areti Markopoulou

Extensive support :
Robotic expert : Alexandre Dubor ,
Computational expert : Rodrigo Aguirre

Research project initiated in IAAC Open Thesis Fabrication 2013 program with the support of Enrico Dini (D-Shape).