Tecla house, Clay residential building in Massa Lombarda, Italy
The Tecla house is a residential building in Massa Lombarda made up of two circular modules that form interconnected living spaces. Natural light enters through spherical skylights, while the entire structure was created using clay and 3D printing technology.
The project started in 2021 as the world's first house built entirely using clay-based 3D printing technology. This marked a turning point in how local materials could be used in construction methods.
The name references Italo Calvino's literature, blending a nod to storytelling with contemporary clay building techniques. This connection between writing and construction methods gives the house a layer of meaning beyond its physical form.
The building is small and best viewed in daytime to see the circular modules and skylights clearly. Since this is a private home, it is important to check ahead regarding visitor access and always approach respectfully.
Two advanced robots worked simultaneously to print the house using a mixture of local soil, water, and rice husk fibers. This use of agricultural leftovers shows how regional resources can be used in surprising new ways.
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