In the small Swiss village of Mulegns, which has a population of just about a dozen, an impressive new structure named Tor Alva, or the White Tower, has been unveiled. Standing nearly 100 feet tall, it has proudly claimed the title of the world’s tallest 3D-printed building.
This striking tower serves a purpose beyond mere architectural achievement; it is intended to help revitalize a village whose population has dramatically declined from 140 residents in 1900 to just enough to field a soccer team today. Tor Alva was created by the Origen Cultural Foundation in partnership with ETH Zurich, and was constructed in the location of an old blacksmith’s shop.
The design of the tower is inspired by both the elaborate details of filigree jewelry and the tiered presentation typical of regional confections. This reflects the heritage of 19th-century pastry chefs who once traveled from the area and contributed to its prosperity.
Constructed over five months, the tower consists of 32 intricately ornamented columns made with a custom concrete mix designed for quick-setting while maintaining detailed features. Giovanni Netzer, the founder of the Origen Cultural Foundation, hailed the creation as a "technical triumph," emphasizing its potential to stimulate sustainable tourism and offer a cultural space.
Inside, the building features a 32-seat cupola theater, which is set to start hosting performances in July. Daily tours have commenced since its unveiling on May 20. Despite not being designed for long-term residency, it aims to draw tourists and visitors to Mulegns in an effort to revitalize the area.
It is noteworthy that this ambitious structure will not remain in Mulegns indefinitely — it is planned to be relocated after five years to assist another declining community. By that time, local leaders hope the attention and tourism the tower generates will have a lasting positive impact on Mulegns, potentially inviting new residents back to the village.
The cost of the tower has not been made public, but similar large-scale 3D printing projects have historically exceeded around $1.1 million, suggesting that Tor Alva is a considerable investment in the community’s future.