Developed at the Chair of Digital Building Technologies (DBT), ETH Zurich by Guillaume Jami and Priyank Soni, this research investigates a novel robotic 3D-printing paradigm for high-performance architectural building envelopes. Traditional building envelopes rely on layered, multi-trade assemblies (sheathing, vapor barriers, insulation batts, cladding panels, and acoustic baffles). This project redefines the concept of a "Composite Façade" by robotically extruding translucent PETG polymers into functionally graded cellular structures that simultaneously fulfill thermal, acoustic, structural, and daylighting functions. Using a 6-axis Universal Robots UR5 manipulator equipped with a custom-engineered high-flow 3D printing end-effector, the system coordinates non-standard toolpaths generated through Compas Slicer and multi-agent boid simulation plugins in Grasshopper. The resulting patented 1:5 demonstrator prototype integrates concrete-reinforced vertical channels, post-tensioned tie rods, and cellular micro-geometries tailored to environmental context.

Interactive architecture and low-latency system integration.

High-precision mechanics and automated hardware feedback.