Radicant: 3D Printed Wall Panel Created with Recycled Materials

This innovative structure emerges as a wall cladding system created from biopolymers derived from agricultural waste. The material mixture includes agricultural waste such as tree bark, paper, recycled flax (cotton), seaweed, and bone glue and cellulose fibers obtained from waste materials. The design of the structure aims to minimize the environmental impact of waste materials while also offering a harmonized and aesthetic solution from an architectural standpoint.

Developed as part of a broad research project aimed at integrating environmentally friendly bio-based materials into architectural applications, the structure was created using a special printer head and the WASP Industrial Clay Extruder Kit. The bone glue biopolymer used in the material mix was combined with different cellulose fibers to create a liquid-heavy paste. CITA used WASP’s heated extrusion system to effectively print these large quantities. The 6-meter-high Radicant was completed by assembling panels made of different tiles. Radicant derives its name from the concept of “Radicant,” which refers to an architectural concept that adapts and grows, like a vine, around the surrounding wall. The process began with 3D scanning and modeling to create a digital model of the wall. The printing process was carried out directly on the volumetric model of the wall panel, without an additional 3D model creation phase.

As a result, the Radicant project offers an environmentally friendly architectural solution by utilizing waste materials, while benefiting from the flexibility and speed of 3D printing to design a unique wall panel. This innovative approach may serve as an inspiration for future projects in sustainable architecture and material recycling.