The project Itaca consists of WASP’s initiative to develop a 3D-printed, self-sufficient farm and living model based on a circular micro-economy. The project aims to establish a new paradigm for sustainable construction that is easily replicable worldwide, thanks to the rapid transmission of information enabled by 3D printing technology and the use of Crane WASP, a versatile and accessible machine capable of operating even in remote areas.
One of the main goals behind Itaca’s construction was to create a 3D-printed building that meets the same standards as traditional structures, including earthquake resistance, in compliance with Italian and European regulations. Given Italy’s stringent regulatory standards, being a region prone to seismic activity, achieving certification under such demanding conditions demonstrates the model’s potential for replicability in most parts of the world.
The construction of Itaca was executed by WASP 3D Build, WASP’s innovative startup dedicated to 3D-printed construction using the Crane WASP system. Itaca is the first 3D-printed structure to take shape in Shamballa, WASP’s open-air laboratory for sustainable living, nestled in the hills of Northern Italy.
The walls are printed using a lime-based mixture without any concrete, selected for its lower carbon emissions compared to traditional cement, while still meeting the high-performance standards required for safe and durable construction.
By combining the selected construction materials with natural insulation derived from industrial byproducts, the environmental impact of the walls is drastically reduced, to the point of achieving a negative CO2 emissions balance.
The construction of Itaca was executed using a new configuration of the Crane WASP system, featuring four robotic arms positioned at the vertices of a hexagonal structure. This setup enables the simultaneous printing of four wall sections, significantly accelerating the building process. When operating simultaneously, the four arms can complete the structural shell of a house in as little as a couple of days.
The total area of the building is 164.9 m2, with each wall standing at 380 cm and requiring approximately 24 hours to print.
On top of Itaca, a green roof and solar panel system will be installed, providing insulation, reducing energy costs, and enhancing sustainability and urban biodiversity.
Moreover, the ventilation system integrated into the wall structure enables effective air distribution throughout the interior spaces, transforming the building into a “living” house capable of breathing. It also allows sanitizing substances to be dispersed into the air, further enhancing indoor air quality.
