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IAAC — Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (MRAC) · ACADEMIC · RESEARCH · FAB LAB

Multi-Material Additive Manufacturing

Self-Shading Curtain Wall via Climate-Driven Material Placement

Context
IAAC — Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (MRAC) — Academic Research
Year
2023
Practice
RESEARCH · FAB LAB
Location
Barcelona, Spain
Status
COMPLETED
Robotic arm depositing mortar in the multi-material printing process

Overview

Research into a multi-material additively manufactured curtain-wall system integrating cooling and non-heat-absorbing materials such as mortar and plaster. Guided by Ladybug solar simulation, material selection is matched to local facade conditions, so the wall controls temperature through self-shading adapted to its specific function.

Multi-material printed wall prototype
Fabrication setup and printed samples
Sunlight analysis driving the material layout

Methodology

  • Sunlight analysis (Ladybug) driving material-to-facade matching
  • Robotic multi-material deposition of mortar and plaster
  • Architectural application study for self-shading curtain walls