Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
. 2025 Apr 14;12(2):77-87.
doi: 10.1089/3dp.2023.0357. eCollection 2025 Apr.

To Grow a Building: Soil and Seeds 3D-Printing

Nof Nathansohn  1   2 , Elisheva Gillis  2 , Gitit Linker  2 , Noa Zermati  2 , Adi Segal  2 , Danny Freedman  2 , Rebecca Hila Partook  2 , Or Naim  2
Affiliations

To Grow a Building: Soil and Seeds 3D-Printing

Nof Nathansohn et al. 3D Print Addit Manuf. .

Abstract

Imagine a world in which architecture will be 3D printed from living materials. That buildings will germinate, bloom, wither, produce new kinds of materials, and return back to the soil. This article introduces an innovative approach to sustainable architecture, through the utilization of 3D-printed structures crafted from locally sourced soil and plant seeds. After printing, the seeds germinate over time, forming load-bearing designs with interwoven root systems, which exhibit remarkable strength and resilience, reducing reliance on conventional construction materials. The research evaluates the mechanical properties of 3D-printed living structures through a set of material experiments to find a material combination that will allow maximum growth within 3D-printed architectural scale objects. The successful pilot project demonstrated their strength and capacity to support plant growth. The study also addresses the esthetic, cultural, and social dimensions of this novel fabrication technique, offering personalized, native plant-based patterns, and fostering community engagement. In conclusion, this research underscores the transformative potential of 3D-printed root-built structures as a sustainable architectural solution. By harnessing local soil and plant roots, these living constructions offer an eco-friendly alternative to conventional materials, with diverse environmental and social benefits. This study contributes to the evolving knowledge base of eco-conscious building practices, encouraging further exploration and adoption of nature-based solutions in architecture. With ongoing development, root-built buildings hold the promise of revolutionizing design, construction, and habitation, promoting a harmonious coexistence between humans and the natural environment.

Keywords: 3D bioprinting; 3D printing; community engagement; earth building; green walls; soil 3D printing; sustainable architecture.

PubMed Disclaimer

References

    1. Huang L, Krigsvoll G, Johansen F, et al. . Carbon emission of global construction sector. Renew Sustain Energy Rev 2018;81(Part 2):1906–1916; doi: 10.1016/j.rser.2017.06.001 - DOI
    1. Linker G, Gillis E, Freedman D, et al. . Designed to grow: 3D printing of seeds. Ahmedabad 2023;2:211–220; doi: 10.52842/conf.caadria.2023.2.211 - DOI
    1. Akemah T, Ben-Alon L. Developing 3D-printed natural fiber-based mixtures. In: Bio-Based Building Materials. RILEM Bookseries (Amziane S, Merta I, Page J. eds). Springer Nature Switzerland: Cham; 2023:555–572; doi: 10.1007/978-3-031-33465-8_42 - DOI
    1. Anonymous. DG ECHO reports on food security. Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations 2023.
    1. Pacheco-Torgal F, Jalali S. Earth construction: Lessons from the past for future eco-efficient construction. Constr Build Mater 2012;29:512–519; doi: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2011.10.054 - DOI