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World’s First 3D-Printed Architecture by Smith Allen Studio

09.09.13 | By
World’s First 3D-Printed Architecture by Smith Allen Studio

Bryan Allen and Stephanie Smith of Smith Allen Studio may have created the world’s first 3D-printed architecture with their Echoviren structure. Made of assembled 3D-printed bricks, Echoviren was  a site responsive, 3D printed architectural installation as part of the Project 387 Residency. The building was assembled deep in the heart of a redwood forest.

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Spanning 10x10x8 feet, Echoviren is a translucent white structure that pops out in the natural forest environment, but when inside, its frame makes your eye go up, up high to the canopy of the forest.

Echoviren was fabricated, printed, and assembled on site by the designers and the structure was assembled utilizing a paneled snap fit connection to create a smooth surface. Made of over 500 unique individually printed parts, seven 3D Printers ran constantly for two months for a total of 10800 hours of machine time. However, it required for only four days of on site building time. According to the designers, the bio-plastic will decompose naturally in 30-50 years.

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Jaime Derringer, Founder + Executive Editor of Design Milk, is a Jersey girl living in SoCal. She dreams about funky, artistic jewelry + having enough free time to enjoy some of her favorite things—running, reading, making music, and drawing.