In the secluded alpine village of Mulegns, Switzerland, a breathtaking architectural marvel has taken root: Tor Alva, also known as the White Tower. Unveiled on May 20th, 2025, this 30-meter-tall structure is now celebrated as the world’s tallest 3D-printed tower. A visionary collaboration between the Origen cultural foundation and ETH Zurich, the tower embodies the intersection of digital design, sustainable building methods, and cultural innovation.
Designed by renowned architects Benjamin Dillenburger and Michael Hansmeyer, Tor Alva is more than just a structural accomplishment; it is a temple of culture. Conceived as a venue for theater performances, art installations, and intimate musical experiences, the tower sits nestled against the backdrop of the Julier mountain. Beginning July 2025, it will host a range of artistic events, with daily guided tours starting from May 23rd.
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The structure’s intricate form comprises 32 twisting, hollow columns that spiral upward, enveloping visitors in a cathedral-like series of rooms. From its grounded base to the vaulted concert venue at the top, Tor Alva delivers a spatial journey that blends computational precision with an atmosphere of historic grandeur. The panoramic view from its summit looks out over the Julier valley, adding a sensory richness to the experience.
At the heart of Tor Alva’s construction is cutting-edge 3D printing technology, pioneered by ETH Zurich’s Digital Building Technologies group in partnership with the Institute of Structural Analysis and Design and the Institute of Building Materials. On February 1st, 2024, the project began with the 3D printing of the first eight columns using a robotic arm that extruded soft concrete in multilayered paths, no traditional framework required.
The choice of soft concrete was key. Its malleability allowed for seamless bonding between layers while maintaining enough strength to support new material as it hardened quickly. Each component was printed hollow to reduce weight and material consumption, making the tower both structurally efficient and environmentally responsible. The innovative process not only eliminated the need for formwork but also reduced carbon emissions by minimizing the amount of cement used.
Though currently rooted in Mulegns, Tor Alva is designed with a nomadic spirit. The tower’s modular construction allows it to be dismantled and reassembled in a different location after its five-year tenure in the Alps. The use of removable screws, rather than permanent adhesives, further supports this flexibility. While its next destination has yet to be announced, the tower’s design anticipates a future beyond Mulegns.
In its form and detailing, Tor Alva is a poetic nod to the craftsmanship of Baroque-era builders in Grisons, Switzerland. However, instead of chisels and scaffolding, this contemporary monument was shaped by algorithms and robotic arms. Its windowless, porous façade, born from the natural criss-cross patterns of 3D extrusion, evokes both digital aesthetics and traditional masonry.
At night, Tor Alva transforms yet again. Illuminated from within, the tower glows against the alpine dark, its light colors shifting to match the mood of its performances or the tone of the evening.
Ultimately, Tor Alva is a symbol of cultural revival in a remote village. It brings together technology, heritage, sustainability, and art in a singular architectural gesture. As it stands tall in the Swiss Alps, Tor Alva invites the world to consider what happens when the past meets the future, layer by layer, column by column, performance by performance.
Whether as a destination for artistic immersion or a milestone in architectural innovation, the White Tower of Mulegns is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when human creativity and digital tools come together.
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