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Mexico is one of the world’s leading corn producers, generating a significant amount of agricultural and food waste each year, with approximately 38% of corn production lost annually. Tortillas alone account for nearly 30% of this waste.

The project CORNCRETL by @manufacturamx explores the potential of transforming abundant corn byproducts and waste materials, including nejayote, into circular resources for the construction industry, promoting a more sustainable approach to material production in Mexico.

The project was developed in collaboration with WASP as technical enabler during a residency program in which the team from MANUFACTURA was hosted at WASP’s facility in Italy to test the application using multiple technologies, including the WASP LDM XXL 3.0 Extruder and the Concrete CFS HD mounted on a KUKA robotic arm integrated with CEREBRO, WASP’s control system for robotic arms.

CORNCRETL combines corn-derived residues with a lime-based aggregate. Unlike Portland cement, lime-based systems harden at room temperature and require lower calcination temperatures, reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Lime materials also provide humidity regulation and self-healing characteristics for minor surface cracks.

•

Credits: photo © Dinorah Schulte

Project info:
name: CORNCRETL
designer: MANUFACTURA
lead designer: Dinorah Schulte
project director: Edurne Morales
senior computational designer, 3D printing development: Andrea Menardo / Zeitgeistructures
structural engineer: Jorge Armando / TAKO KWEEN + TLAXCALLI
material donator: WASP

Location: Massa Lombarda, Ravenna, Italy
Year of Completion: 2025
Technology Used: WASP LDM XXL 3.0 Extruder, Concrete CFS HD, CEREBRO, KUKA Robotic arm

Mexico is one of the world’s leading corn producers, generating a significant amount of agricultural and food waste each year, with approximately 38% of corn production lost annually. Tortillas alone account for nearly 30% of this waste.

The project CORNCRETL by @manufacturamx explores the potential of transforming abundant corn byproducts and waste materials, including nejayote, into circular resources for the construction industry, promoting a more sustainable approach to material production in Mexico.

The project was developed in collaboration with WASP as technical enabler during a residency program in which the team from MANUFACTURA was hosted at WASP’s facility in Italy to test the application using multiple technologies, including the WASP LDM XXL 3.0 Extruder and the Concrete CFS HD mounted on a KUKA robotic arm integrated with CEREBRO, WASP’s control system for robotic arms.

CORNCRETL combines corn-derived residues with a lime-based aggregate. Unlike Portland cement, lime-based systems harden at room temperature and require lower calcination temperatures, reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Lime materials also provide humidity regulation and self-healing characteristics for minor surface cracks.

•

Credits: photo © Dinorah Schulte

Project info:
name: CORNCRETL
designer: MANUFACTURA
lead designer: Dinorah Schulte
project director: Edurne Morales
senior computational designer, 3D printing development: Andrea Menardo / Zeitgeistructures
structural engineer: Jorge Armando / TAKO KWEEN + TLAXCALLI
material donator: WASP

Location: Massa Lombarda, Ravenna, Italy
Year of Completion: 2025
Technology Used: WASP LDM XXL 3.0 Extruder, Concrete CFS HD, CEREBRO, KUKA Robotic arm

Mexico is one of the world’s leading corn producers, generating a significant amount of agricultural and food waste each year, with approximately 38% of corn production lost annually. Tortillas alone account for nearly 30% of this waste.

The project CORNCRETL by @manufacturamx explores the potential of transforming abundant corn byproducts and waste materials, including nejayote, into circular resources for the construction industry, promoting a more sustainable approach to material production in Mexico.

The project was developed in collaboration with WASP as technical enabler during a residency program in which the team from MANUFACTURA was hosted at WASP’s facility in Italy to test the application using multiple technologies, including the WASP LDM XXL 3.0 Extruder and the Concrete CFS HD mounted on a KUKA robotic arm integrated with CEREBRO, WASP’s control system for robotic arms.

CORNCRETL combines corn-derived residues with a lime-based aggregate. Unlike Portland cement, lime-based systems harden at room temperature and require lower calcination temperatures, reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Lime materials also provide humidity regulation and self-healing characteristics for minor surface cracks.

•

Credits: photo © Dinorah Schulte

Project info:
name: CORNCRETL
designer: MANUFACTURA
lead designer: Dinorah Schulte
project director: Edurne Morales
senior computational designer, 3D printing development: Andrea Menardo / Zeitgeistructures
structural engineer: Jorge Armando / TAKO KWEEN + TLAXCALLI
material donator: WASP

Location: Massa Lombarda, Ravenna, Italy
Year of Completion: 2025
Technology Used: WASP LDM XXL 3.0 Extruder, Concrete CFS HD, CEREBRO, KUKA Robotic arm

Mexico is one of the world’s leading corn producers, generating a significant amount of agricultural and food waste each year, with approximately 38% of corn production lost annually. Tortillas alone account for nearly 30% of this waste.

The project CORNCRETL by @manufacturamx explores the potential of transforming abundant corn byproducts and waste materials, including nejayote, into circular resources for the construction industry, promoting a more sustainable approach to material production in Mexico.

The project was developed in collaboration with WASP as technical enabler during a residency program in which the team from MANUFACTURA was hosted at WASP’s facility in Italy to test the application using multiple technologies, including the WASP LDM XXL 3.0 Extruder and the Concrete CFS HD mounted on a KUKA robotic arm integrated with CEREBRO, WASP’s control system for robotic arms.

CORNCRETL combines corn-derived residues with a lime-based aggregate. Unlike Portland cement, lime-based systems harden at room temperature and require lower calcination temperatures, reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Lime materials also provide humidity regulation and self-healing characteristics for minor surface cracks.

•

Credits: photo © Dinorah Schulte

Project info:
name: CORNCRETL
designer: MANUFACTURA
lead designer: Dinorah Schulte
project director: Edurne Morales
senior computational designer, 3D printing development: Andrea Menardo / Zeitgeistructures
structural engineer: Jorge Armando / TAKO KWEEN + TLAXCALLI
material donator: WASP

Location: Massa Lombarda, Ravenna, Italy
Year of Completion: 2025
Technology Used: WASP LDM XXL 3.0 Extruder, Concrete CFS HD, CEREBRO, KUKA Robotic arm

Mexico is one of the world’s leading corn producers, generating a significant amount of agricultural and food waste each year, with approximately 38% of corn production lost annually. Tortillas alone account for nearly 30% of this waste.

The project CORNCRETL by @manufacturamx explores the potential of transforming abundant corn byproducts and waste materials, including nejayote, into circular resources for the construction industry, promoting a more sustainable approach to material production in Mexico.

The project was developed in collaboration with WASP as technical enabler during a residency program in which the team from MANUFACTURA was hosted at WASP’s facility in Italy to test the application using multiple technologies, including the WASP LDM XXL 3.0 Extruder and the Concrete CFS HD mounted on a KUKA robotic arm integrated with CEREBRO, WASP’s control system for robotic arms.

CORNCRETL combines corn-derived residues with a lime-based aggregate. Unlike Portland cement, lime-based systems harden at room temperature and require lower calcination temperatures, reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Lime materials also provide humidity regulation and self-healing characteristics for minor surface cracks.

•

Credits: photo © Dinorah Schulte

Project info:
name: CORNCRETL
designer: MANUFACTURA
lead designer: Dinorah Schulte
project director: Edurne Morales
senior computational designer, 3D printing development: Andrea Menardo / Zeitgeistructures
structural engineer: Jorge Armando / TAKO KWEEN + TLAXCALLI
material donator: WASP

Location: Massa Lombarda, Ravenna, Italy
Year of Completion: 2025
Technology Used: WASP LDM XXL 3.0 Extruder, Concrete CFS HD, CEREBRO, KUKA Robotic arm

Mexico is one of the world’s leading corn producers, generating a significant amount of agricultural and food waste each year, with approximately 38% of corn production lost annually. Tortillas alone account for nearly 30% of this waste.

The project CORNCRETL by @manufacturamx explores the potential of transforming abundant corn byproducts and waste materials, including nejayote, into circular resources for the construction industry, promoting a more sustainable approach to material production in Mexico.

The project was developed in collaboration with WASP as technical enabler during a residency program in which the team from MANUFACTURA was hosted at WASP’s facility in Italy to test the application using multiple technologies, including the WASP LDM XXL 3.0 Extruder and the Concrete CFS HD mounted on a KUKA robotic arm integrated with CEREBRO, WASP’s control system for robotic arms.

CORNCRETL combines corn-derived residues with a lime-based aggregate. Unlike Portland cement, lime-based systems harden at room temperature and require lower calcination temperatures, reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Lime materials also provide humidity regulation and self-healing characteristics for minor surface cracks.

•

Credits: photo © Dinorah Schulte

Project info:
name: CORNCRETL
designer: MANUFACTURA
lead designer: Dinorah Schulte
project director: Edurne Morales
senior computational designer, 3D printing development: Andrea Menardo / Zeitgeistructures
structural engineer: Jorge Armando / TAKO KWEEN + TLAXCALLI
material donator: WASP

Location: Massa Lombarda, Ravenna, Italy
Year of Completion: 2025
Technology Used: WASP LDM XXL 3.0 Extruder, Concrete CFS HD, CEREBRO, KUKA Robotic arm

Mexico is one of the world’s leading corn producers, generating a significant amount of agricultural and food waste each year, with approximately 38% of corn production lost annually. Tortillas alone account for nearly 30% of this waste.

The project CORNCRETL by @manufacturamx explores the potential of transforming abundant corn byproducts and waste materials, including nejayote, into circular resources for the construction industry, promoting a more sustainable approach to material production in Mexico.

The project was developed in collaboration with WASP as technical enabler during a residency program in which the team from MANUFACTURA was hosted at WASP’s facility in Italy to test the application using multiple technologies, including the WASP LDM XXL 3.0 Extruder and the Concrete CFS HD mounted on a KUKA robotic arm integrated with CEREBRO, WASP’s control system for robotic arms.

CORNCRETL combines corn-derived residues with a lime-based aggregate. Unlike Portland cement, lime-based systems harden at room temperature and require lower calcination temperatures, reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Lime materials also provide humidity regulation and self-healing characteristics for minor surface cracks.

•

Credits: photo © Dinorah Schulte

Project info:
name: CORNCRETL
designer: MANUFACTURA
lead designer: Dinorah Schulte
project director: Edurne Morales
senior computational designer, 3D printing development: Andrea Menardo / Zeitgeistructures
structural engineer: Jorge Armando / TAKO KWEEN + TLAXCALLI
material donator: WASP

Location: Massa Lombarda, Ravenna, Italy
Year of Completion: 2025
Technology Used: WASP LDM XXL 3.0 Extruder, Concrete CFS HD, CEREBRO, KUKA Robotic arm

3D printing from corn waste with @manufacturamx using the WASP LDM XXL 3.0 Extruder and the Concrete CFS HD on a @kukaglobal robotic arm

•

@manufacturamx developed CORNCRETL, a bio-based construction material that combines corn byproducts, recycled nejayote, and lime-based aggregates to reduce carbon emissions and introduce circular economy principles into the building industry.

CORNCRETL combines corn-derived residues with a mineral-based aggregate composed of natural hydraulic lime (NHL 3.5), geobinders, river silica sand, dolomitic limestone, and Carrara marble powder.

The resulting material creates a dialogue between Mexican agricultural waste and Italian mineral resources, reflecting a cross-cultural approach to sustainable material research and development.

During the WASP Residency, modular wall panels were developed as lightweight, low-cost housing components, while structural assessments evaluated material performance and efficiency.

•

Credits: photo © Dinorah Schulte, WASP

Project info:
name: CORNCRETL
designer: MANUFACTURA
lead designer: Dinorah Schulte
project director: Edurne Morales
senior computational designer, 3D printing development: Andrea Menardo / Zeitgeistructures
structural engineer: Jorge Armando / TAKO KWEEN + TLAXCALLI
material donator: WASP

Location: Massa Lombarda, Ravenna, Italy
Year of Completion: 2025
Technology Used: WASP LDM XXL 3.0 Extruder, Concrete CFS HD, CEREBRO, KUKA Robotic arm

3D printing from corn waste with @manufacturamx using the WASP LDM XXL 3.0 Extruder and the Concrete CFS HD on a @kukaglobal robotic arm

•

@manufacturamx developed CORNCRETL, a bio-based construction material that combines corn byproducts, recycled nejayote, and lime-based aggregates to reduce carbon emissions and introduce circular economy principles into the building industry.

CORNCRETL combines corn-derived residues with a mineral-based aggregate composed of natural hydraulic lime (NHL 3.5), geobinders, river silica sand, dolomitic limestone, and Carrara marble powder.

The resulting material creates a dialogue between Mexican agricultural waste and Italian mineral resources, reflecting a cross-cultural approach to sustainable material research and development.

During the WASP Residency, modular wall panels were developed as lightweight, low-cost housing components, while structural assessments evaluated material performance and efficiency.

•

Credits: photo © Dinorah Schulte, WASP

Project info:
name: CORNCRETL
designer: MANUFACTURA
lead designer: Dinorah Schulte
project director: Edurne Morales
senior computational designer, 3D printing development: Andrea Menardo / Zeitgeistructures
structural engineer: Jorge Armando / TAKO KWEEN + TLAXCALLI
material donator: WASP

Location: Massa Lombarda, Ravenna, Italy
Year of Completion: 2025
Technology Used: WASP LDM XXL 3.0 Extruder, Concrete CFS HD, CEREBRO, KUKA Robotic arm

3D printing from corn waste with @manufacturamx using the WASP LDM XXL 3.0 Extruder and the Concrete CFS HD on a @kukaglobal robotic arm

•

@manufacturamx developed CORNCRETL, a bio-based construction material that combines corn byproducts, recycled nejayote, and lime-based aggregates to reduce carbon emissions and introduce circular economy principles into the building industry.

CORNCRETL combines corn-derived residues with a mineral-based aggregate composed of natural hydraulic lime (NHL 3.5), geobinders, river silica sand, dolomitic limestone, and Carrara marble powder.

The resulting material creates a dialogue between Mexican agricultural waste and Italian mineral resources, reflecting a cross-cultural approach to sustainable material research and development.

During the WASP Residency, modular wall panels were developed as lightweight, low-cost housing components, while structural assessments evaluated material performance and efficiency.

•

Credits: photo © Dinorah Schulte, WASP

Project info:
name: CORNCRETL
designer: MANUFACTURA
lead designer: Dinorah Schulte
project director: Edurne Morales
senior computational designer, 3D printing development: Andrea Menardo / Zeitgeistructures
structural engineer: Jorge Armando / TAKO KWEEN + TLAXCALLI
material donator: WASP

Location: Massa Lombarda, Ravenna, Italy
Year of Completion: 2025
Technology Used: WASP LDM XXL 3.0 Extruder, Concrete CFS HD, CEREBRO, KUKA Robotic arm

3D printing from corn waste with @manufacturamx using the WASP LDM XXL 3.0 Extruder and the Concrete CFS HD on a @kukaglobal robotic arm

•

@manufacturamx developed CORNCRETL, a bio-based construction material that combines corn byproducts, recycled nejayote, and lime-based aggregates to reduce carbon emissions and introduce circular economy principles into the building industry.

CORNCRETL combines corn-derived residues with a mineral-based aggregate composed of natural hydraulic lime (NHL 3.5), geobinders, river silica sand, dolomitic limestone, and Carrara marble powder.

The resulting material creates a dialogue between Mexican agricultural waste and Italian mineral resources, reflecting a cross-cultural approach to sustainable material research and development.

During the WASP Residency, modular wall panels were developed as lightweight, low-cost housing components, while structural assessments evaluated material performance and efficiency.

•

Credits: photo © Dinorah Schulte, WASP

Project info:
name: CORNCRETL
designer: MANUFACTURA
lead designer: Dinorah Schulte
project director: Edurne Morales
senior computational designer, 3D printing development: Andrea Menardo / Zeitgeistructures
structural engineer: Jorge Armando / TAKO KWEEN + TLAXCALLI
material donator: WASP

Location: Massa Lombarda, Ravenna, Italy
Year of Completion: 2025
Technology Used: WASP LDM XXL 3.0 Extruder, Concrete CFS HD, CEREBRO, KUKA Robotic arm

3D printing from corn waste with @manufacturamx using the WASP LDM XXL 3.0 Extruder and the Concrete CFS HD on a @kukaglobal robotic arm

•

@manufacturamx developed CORNCRETL, a bio-based construction material that combines corn byproducts, recycled nejayote, and lime-based aggregates to reduce carbon emissions and introduce circular economy principles into the building industry.

CORNCRETL combines corn-derived residues with a mineral-based aggregate composed of natural hydraulic lime (NHL 3.5), geobinders, river silica sand, dolomitic limestone, and Carrara marble powder.

The resulting material creates a dialogue between Mexican agricultural waste and Italian mineral resources, reflecting a cross-cultural approach to sustainable material research and development.

During the WASP Residency, modular wall panels were developed as lightweight, low-cost housing components, while structural assessments evaluated material performance and efficiency.

•

Credits: photo © Dinorah Schulte, WASP

Project info:
name: CORNCRETL
designer: MANUFACTURA
lead designer: Dinorah Schulte
project director: Edurne Morales
senior computational designer, 3D printing development: Andrea Menardo / Zeitgeistructures
structural engineer: Jorge Armando / TAKO KWEEN + TLAXCALLI
material donator: WASP

Location: Massa Lombarda, Ravenna, Italy
Year of Completion: 2025
Technology Used: WASP LDM XXL 3.0 Extruder, Concrete CFS HD, CEREBRO, KUKA Robotic arm

3D printing from corn waste with @manufacturamx using the WASP LDM XXL 3.0 Extruder and the Concrete CFS HD on a @kukaglobal robotic arm

•

@manufacturamx developed CORNCRETL, a bio-based construction material that combines corn byproducts, recycled nejayote, and lime-based aggregates to reduce carbon emissions and introduce circular economy principles into the building industry.

CORNCRETL combines corn-derived residues with a mineral-based aggregate composed of natural hydraulic lime (NHL 3.5), geobinders, river silica sand, dolomitic limestone, and Carrara marble powder.

The resulting material creates a dialogue between Mexican agricultural waste and Italian mineral resources, reflecting a cross-cultural approach to sustainable material research and development.

During the WASP Residency, modular wall panels were developed as lightweight, low-cost housing components, while structural assessments evaluated material performance and efficiency.

•

Credits: photo © Dinorah Schulte, WASP

Project info:
name: CORNCRETL
designer: MANUFACTURA
lead designer: Dinorah Schulte
project director: Edurne Morales
senior computational designer, 3D printing development: Andrea Menardo / Zeitgeistructures
structural engineer: Jorge Armando / TAKO KWEEN + TLAXCALLI
material donator: WASP

Location: Massa Lombarda, Ravenna, Italy
Year of Completion: 2025
Technology Used: WASP LDM XXL 3.0 Extruder, Concrete CFS HD, CEREBRO, KUKA Robotic arm

From food waste to sustainable construction materials

@manufacturamx, a Mexico-based research and production factory, developed a bio-based construction material that combines corn byproducts and lime-based aggregates to reduce carbon emissions and introduce circular economy principles into the building industry.

We had the pleasure of hosting their team at our facility in Italy. During their Residency, their research focused on refining the material mix and testing its scalability for architectural applications.

The developed mix, CORNCRETL, explores the potential of transforming abundant corn byproducts and waste materials, including nejayote, into circular resources for the construction industry, promoting a more sustainable approach to material production in Mexico.

In fact, Mexico, one of the world’s leading corn producers, generates a significant amount of agricultural and food waste each year, with approximately 38% of corn production lost annually.

The project represents another step toward a more sustainable future for the construction industry, where 3D printing technology can play a key role in transforming agricultural waste into valuable architectural resources.

•

Credits: photo © Dinorah Schulte, WASP

Project info:
name: CORNCRETL
designer: MANUFACTURA
lead designer: @dinorahmschulte 
project director: @edu.mo.z 
senior computational designer, 3D printing development: Andrea Menardo / Zeitgeistructures
structural engineer: Jorge Armando / TAKO KWEEN + TLAXCALLI
material donator: WASP

Location: Massa Lombarda, Ravenna, Italy
Year of Completion: 2025
Technology Used: WASP LDM XXL 3.0 Extruder, Concrete CFS HD, CEREBRO, KUKA Robotic arm

From food waste to sustainable construction materials

@manufacturamx, a Mexico-based research and production factory, developed a bio-based construction material that combines corn byproducts and lime-based aggregates to reduce carbon emissions and introduce circular economy principles into the building industry.

We had the pleasure of hosting their team at our facility in Italy. During their Residency, their research focused on refining the material mix and testing its scalability for architectural applications.

The developed mix, CORNCRETL, explores the potential of transforming abundant corn byproducts and waste materials, including nejayote, into circular resources for the construction industry, promoting a more sustainable approach to material production in Mexico.

In fact, Mexico, one of the world’s leading corn producers, generates a significant amount of agricultural and food waste each year, with approximately 38% of corn production lost annually.

The project represents another step toward a more sustainable future for the construction industry, where 3D printing technology can play a key role in transforming agricultural waste into valuable architectural resources.

•

Credits: photo © Dinorah Schulte, WASP

Project info:
name: CORNCRETL
designer: MANUFACTURA
lead designer: @dinorahmschulte 
project director: @edu.mo.z 
senior computational designer, 3D printing development: Andrea Menardo / Zeitgeistructures
structural engineer: Jorge Armando / TAKO KWEEN + TLAXCALLI
material donator: WASP

Location: Massa Lombarda, Ravenna, Italy
Year of Completion: 2025
Technology Used: WASP LDM XXL 3.0 Extruder, Concrete CFS HD, CEREBRO, KUKA Robotic arm

From food waste to sustainable construction materials

@manufacturamx, a Mexico-based research and production factory, developed a bio-based construction material that combines corn byproducts and lime-based aggregates to reduce carbon emissions and introduce circular economy principles into the building industry.

We had the pleasure of hosting their team at our facility in Italy. During their Residency, their research focused on refining the material mix and testing its scalability for architectural applications.

The developed mix, CORNCRETL, explores the potential of transforming abundant corn byproducts and waste materials, including nejayote, into circular resources for the construction industry, promoting a more sustainable approach to material production in Mexico.

In fact, Mexico, one of the world’s leading corn producers, generates a significant amount of agricultural and food waste each year, with approximately 38% of corn production lost annually.

The project represents another step toward a more sustainable future for the construction industry, where 3D printing technology can play a key role in transforming agricultural waste into valuable architectural resources.

•

Credits: photo © Dinorah Schulte, WASP

Project info:
name: CORNCRETL
designer: MANUFACTURA
lead designer: @dinorahmschulte 
project director: @edu.mo.z 
senior computational designer, 3D printing development: Andrea Menardo / Zeitgeistructures
structural engineer: Jorge Armando / TAKO KWEEN + TLAXCALLI
material donator: WASP

Location: Massa Lombarda, Ravenna, Italy
Year of Completion: 2025
Technology Used: WASP LDM XXL 3.0 Extruder, Concrete CFS HD, CEREBRO, KUKA Robotic arm

From food waste to sustainable construction materials

@manufacturamx, a Mexico-based research and production factory, developed a bio-based construction material that combines corn byproducts and lime-based aggregates to reduce carbon emissions and introduce circular economy principles into the building industry.

We had the pleasure of hosting their team at our facility in Italy. During their Residency, their research focused on refining the material mix and testing its scalability for architectural applications.

The developed mix, CORNCRETL, explores the potential of transforming abundant corn byproducts and waste materials, including nejayote, into circular resources for the construction industry, promoting a more sustainable approach to material production in Mexico.

In fact, Mexico, one of the world’s leading corn producers, generates a significant amount of agricultural and food waste each year, with approximately 38% of corn production lost annually.

The project represents another step toward a more sustainable future for the construction industry, where 3D printing technology can play a key role in transforming agricultural waste into valuable architectural resources.

•

Credits: photo © Dinorah Schulte, WASP

Project info:
name: CORNCRETL
designer: MANUFACTURA
lead designer: @dinorahmschulte 
project director: @edu.mo.z 
senior computational designer, 3D printing development: Andrea Menardo / Zeitgeistructures
structural engineer: Jorge Armando / TAKO KWEEN + TLAXCALLI
material donator: WASP

Location: Massa Lombarda, Ravenna, Italy
Year of Completion: 2025
Technology Used: WASP LDM XXL 3.0 Extruder, Concrete CFS HD, CEREBRO, KUKA Robotic arm

From food waste to sustainable construction materials

@manufacturamx, a Mexico-based research and production factory, developed a bio-based construction material that combines corn byproducts and lime-based aggregates to reduce carbon emissions and introduce circular economy principles into the building industry.

We had the pleasure of hosting their team at our facility in Italy. During their Residency, their research focused on refining the material mix and testing its scalability for architectural applications.

The developed mix, CORNCRETL, explores the potential of transforming abundant corn byproducts and waste materials, including nejayote, into circular resources for the construction industry, promoting a more sustainable approach to material production in Mexico.

In fact, Mexico, one of the world’s leading corn producers, generates a significant amount of agricultural and food waste each year, with approximately 38% of corn production lost annually.

The project represents another step toward a more sustainable future for the construction industry, where 3D printing technology can play a key role in transforming agricultural waste into valuable architectural resources.

•

Credits: photo © Dinorah Schulte, WASP

Project info:
name: CORNCRETL
designer: MANUFACTURA
lead designer: @dinorahmschulte 
project director: @edu.mo.z 
senior computational designer, 3D printing development: Andrea Menardo / Zeitgeistructures
structural engineer: Jorge Armando / TAKO KWEEN + TLAXCALLI
material donator: WASP

Location: Massa Lombarda, Ravenna, Italy
Year of Completion: 2025
Technology Used: WASP LDM XXL 3.0 Extruder, Concrete CFS HD, CEREBRO, KUKA Robotic arm

From food waste to sustainable construction materials

@manufacturamx, a Mexico-based research and production factory, developed a bio-based construction material that combines corn byproducts and lime-based aggregates to reduce carbon emissions and introduce circular economy principles into the building industry.

We had the pleasure of hosting their team at our facility in Italy. During their Residency, their research focused on refining the material mix and testing its scalability for architectural applications.

The developed mix, CORNCRETL, explores the potential of transforming abundant corn byproducts and waste materials, including nejayote, into circular resources for the construction industry, promoting a more sustainable approach to material production in Mexico.

In fact, Mexico, one of the world’s leading corn producers, generates a significant amount of agricultural and food waste each year, with approximately 38% of corn production lost annually.

The project represents another step toward a more sustainable future for the construction industry, where 3D printing technology can play a key role in transforming agricultural waste into valuable architectural resources.

•

Credits: photo © Dinorah Schulte, WASP

Project info:
name: CORNCRETL
designer: MANUFACTURA
lead designer: @dinorahmschulte 
project director: @edu.mo.z 
senior computational designer, 3D printing development: Andrea Menardo / Zeitgeistructures
structural engineer: Jorge Armando / TAKO KWEEN + TLAXCALLI
material donator: WASP

Location: Massa Lombarda, Ravenna, Italy
Year of Completion: 2025
Technology Used: WASP LDM XXL 3.0 Extruder, Concrete CFS HD, CEREBRO, KUKA Robotic arm

A new chapter • Shamballa, the open-air laboratory for sustainable living

On the hills of Emilia-Romagna, a place is taking shape where technological research, sustainable production, and shared experiences come together.

Shamballa, inspired by the ideal of peace and harmony of the mythical place in Tibetan tradition, was conceived as an open-air laboratory dedicated to sustainable living.

The project is designed as a research center where technology is used to address the fundamental needs of human beings: food, housing, health, energy, work, and culture.

At the core of the project is the regeneration of previously uncultivated farmland, transformed into a medicinal botanical garden dedicated to biodiversity through reforestation and agroforestry initiatives. More than 500 fruit trees of ancient local varieties and 50,000 aromatic medicinal plants will be planted, contributing to the growth of both animal and plant biodiversity.

The project and land management are carried out by @3dwasp and @olfattiva, two companies within the CSP S.r.l. group based in Massa Lombarda, in the province of Ravenna. They collaborate respectively on the development of the spaces and on the enhancement and cultivation of the land.

@3dwasp will use Shamballa as the largest open-air laboratory for architectural 3D printing, demonstrating the potential of this new production approach with respect for the environment and for the benefit of people.

Within Shamballa, @olfattiva will create a medicinal botanical garden, cultivating aromatic plants using biodynamic methods and producing raw materials for its aromatherapy and botanical perfumery lines.

Shamballa will also be a place for gathering and community, open to educational activities, public events, and collaborations with international partners.

A new chapter • Shamballa, the open-air laboratory for sustainable living

On the hills of Emilia-Romagna, a place is taking shape where technological research, sustainable production, and shared experiences come together.

Shamballa, inspired by the ideal of peace and harmony of the mythical place in Tibetan tradition, was conceived as an open-air laboratory dedicated to sustainable living.

The project is designed as a research center where technology is used to address the fundamental needs of human beings: food, housing, health, energy, work, and culture.

At the core of the project is the regeneration of previously uncultivated farmland, transformed into a medicinal botanical garden dedicated to biodiversity through reforestation and agroforestry initiatives. More than 500 fruit trees of ancient local varieties and 50,000 aromatic medicinal plants will be planted, contributing to the growth of both animal and plant biodiversity.

The project and land management are carried out by @3dwasp and @olfattiva, two companies within the CSP S.r.l. group based in Massa Lombarda, in the province of Ravenna. They collaborate respectively on the development of the spaces and on the enhancement and cultivation of the land.

@3dwasp will use Shamballa as the largest open-air laboratory for architectural 3D printing, demonstrating the potential of this new production approach with respect for the environment and for the benefit of people.

Within Shamballa, @olfattiva will create a medicinal botanical garden, cultivating aromatic plants using biodynamic methods and producing raw materials for its aromatherapy and botanical perfumery lines.

Shamballa will also be a place for gathering and community, open to educational activities, public events, and collaborations with international partners.

A new chapter • Shamballa, the open-air laboratory for sustainable living

On the hills of Emilia-Romagna, a place is taking shape where technological research, sustainable production, and shared experiences come together.

Shamballa, inspired by the ideal of peace and harmony of the mythical place in Tibetan tradition, was conceived as an open-air laboratory dedicated to sustainable living.

The project is designed as a research center where technology is used to address the fundamental needs of human beings: food, housing, health, energy, work, and culture.

At the core of the project is the regeneration of previously uncultivated farmland, transformed into a medicinal botanical garden dedicated to biodiversity through reforestation and agroforestry initiatives. More than 500 fruit trees of ancient local varieties and 50,000 aromatic medicinal plants will be planted, contributing to the growth of both animal and plant biodiversity.

The project and land management are carried out by @3dwasp and @olfattiva, two companies within the CSP S.r.l. group based in Massa Lombarda, in the province of Ravenna. They collaborate respectively on the development of the spaces and on the enhancement and cultivation of the land.

@3dwasp will use Shamballa as the largest open-air laboratory for architectural 3D printing, demonstrating the potential of this new production approach with respect for the environment and for the benefit of people.

Within Shamballa, @olfattiva will create a medicinal botanical garden, cultivating aromatic plants using biodynamic methods and producing raw materials for its aromatherapy and botanical perfumery lines.

Shamballa will also be a place for gathering and community, open to educational activities, public events, and collaborations with international partners.

A new chapter • Shamballa, the open-air laboratory for sustainable living

On the hills of Emilia-Romagna, a place is taking shape where technological research, sustainable production, and shared experiences come together.

Shamballa, inspired by the ideal of peace and harmony of the mythical place in Tibetan tradition, was conceived as an open-air laboratory dedicated to sustainable living.

The project is designed as a research center where technology is used to address the fundamental needs of human beings: food, housing, health, energy, work, and culture.

At the core of the project is the regeneration of previously uncultivated farmland, transformed into a medicinal botanical garden dedicated to biodiversity through reforestation and agroforestry initiatives. More than 500 fruit trees of ancient local varieties and 50,000 aromatic medicinal plants will be planted, contributing to the growth of both animal and plant biodiversity.

The project and land management are carried out by @3dwasp and @olfattiva, two companies within the CSP S.r.l. group based in Massa Lombarda, in the province of Ravenna. They collaborate respectively on the development of the spaces and on the enhancement and cultivation of the land.

@3dwasp will use Shamballa as the largest open-air laboratory for architectural 3D printing, demonstrating the potential of this new production approach with respect for the environment and for the benefit of people.

Within Shamballa, @olfattiva will create a medicinal botanical garden, cultivating aromatic plants using biodynamic methods and producing raw materials for its aromatherapy and botanical perfumery lines.

Shamballa will also be a place for gathering and community, open to educational activities, public events, and collaborations with international partners.

A new chapter • Shamballa, the open-air laboratory for sustainable living

On the hills of Emilia-Romagna, a place is taking shape where technological research, sustainable production, and shared experiences come together.

Shamballa, inspired by the ideal of peace and harmony of the mythical place in Tibetan tradition, was conceived as an open-air laboratory dedicated to sustainable living.

The project is designed as a research center where technology is used to address the fundamental needs of human beings: food, housing, health, energy, work, and culture.

At the core of the project is the regeneration of previously uncultivated farmland, transformed into a medicinal botanical garden dedicated to biodiversity through reforestation and agroforestry initiatives. More than 500 fruit trees of ancient local varieties and 50,000 aromatic medicinal plants will be planted, contributing to the growth of both animal and plant biodiversity.

The project and land management are carried out by @3dwasp and @olfattiva, two companies within the CSP S.r.l. group based in Massa Lombarda, in the province of Ravenna. They collaborate respectively on the development of the spaces and on the enhancement and cultivation of the land.

@3dwasp will use Shamballa as the largest open-air laboratory for architectural 3D printing, demonstrating the potential of this new production approach with respect for the environment and for the benefit of people.

Within Shamballa, @olfattiva will create a medicinal botanical garden, cultivating aromatic plants using biodynamic methods and producing raw materials for its aromatherapy and botanical perfumery lines.

Shamballa will also be a place for gathering and community, open to educational activities, public events, and collaborations with international partners.

Chaise

Materica e avvolgente, una seduta che sembra scolpita dal vento. La malta disegna linee sinuose e genera una superficie vibrante, tattile, impossibile da ignorare. Design @casacerchio per MateriaNova.

Bringing a 3D printing and recycling laboratory to the tunnels of @dropcity_org for Milan Design Week.

Thanks to the RIGENERA 3D system, plastic waste can be transformed into new products directly in-house, without the need for external repelletization, and 3D printed at large scale using our customizable robotic arm solution.

Meanwhile, inside the clay lab, the WASP 40100 Production system enables automated 24/7 production of customized clay pieces, from vases and tiles to facades and design objects.

Photos by @t_space_studio, @dropcity_org
Robotic arm by @abbrobotics

Bringing a 3D printing and recycling laboratory to the tunnels of @dropcity_org for Milan Design Week.

Thanks to the RIGENERA 3D system, plastic waste can be transformed into new products directly in-house, without the need for external repelletization, and 3D printed at large scale using our customizable robotic arm solution.

Meanwhile, inside the clay lab, the WASP 40100 Production system enables automated 24/7 production of customized clay pieces, from vases and tiles to facades and design objects.

Photos by @t_space_studio, @dropcity_org
Robotic arm by @abbrobotics

Bringing a 3D printing and recycling laboratory to the tunnels of @dropcity_org for Milan Design Week.

Thanks to the RIGENERA 3D system, plastic waste can be transformed into new products directly in-house, without the need for external repelletization, and 3D printed at large scale using our customizable robotic arm solution.

Meanwhile, inside the clay lab, the WASP 40100 Production system enables automated 24/7 production of customized clay pieces, from vases and tiles to facades and design objects.

Photos by @t_space_studio, @dropcity_org
Robotic arm by @abbrobotics

Bringing a 3D printing and recycling laboratory to the tunnels of @dropcity_org for Milan Design Week.

Thanks to the RIGENERA 3D system, plastic waste can be transformed into new products directly in-house, without the need for external repelletization, and 3D printed at large scale using our customizable robotic arm solution.

Meanwhile, inside the clay lab, the WASP 40100 Production system enables automated 24/7 production of customized clay pieces, from vases and tiles to facades and design objects.

Photos by @t_space_studio, @dropcity_org
Robotic arm by @abbrobotics

Bringing a 3D printing and recycling laboratory to the tunnels of @dropcity_org for Milan Design Week.

Thanks to the RIGENERA 3D system, plastic waste can be transformed into new products directly in-house, without the need for external repelletization, and 3D printed at large scale using our customizable robotic arm solution.

Meanwhile, inside the clay lab, the WASP 40100 Production system enables automated 24/7 production of customized clay pieces, from vases and tiles to facades and design objects.

Photos by @t_space_studio, @dropcity_org
Robotic arm by @abbrobotics

A recent update from Itaca’s construction site!

The 3D printing phase is now complete, and a new layer is taking shape: a green roof is being installed on top of the 3D printed walls, helping restore green space to the landscape.

The building envelope has been insulated using rice husks sourced from agri-food waste, combined with natural lime powder.

Thanks to their mineral and silica-rich structure, these materials are naturally suited to prevent mold and fungal growth, even in humid environments, while significantly reducing the building’s environmental impact. This performance is further enhanced by the thickness of the walls and the choice of a lime-based material, which offers lower carbon emissions than concrete and high breathability.

More steps are on the way as Itaca continues to take shape, so stay tuned!

A recent update from Itaca’s construction site!

The 3D printing phase is now complete, and a new layer is taking shape: a green roof is being installed on top of the 3D printed walls, helping restore green space to the landscape.

The building envelope has been insulated using rice husks sourced from agri-food waste, combined with natural lime powder.

Thanks to their mineral and silica-rich structure, these materials are naturally suited to prevent mold and fungal growth, even in humid environments, while significantly reducing the building’s environmental impact. This performance is further enhanced by the thickness of the walls and the choice of a lime-based material, which offers lower carbon emissions than concrete and high breathability.

More steps are on the way as Itaca continues to take shape, so stay tuned!

A recent update from Itaca’s construction site!

The 3D printing phase is now complete, and a new layer is taking shape: a green roof is being installed on top of the 3D printed walls, helping restore green space to the landscape.

The building envelope has been insulated using rice husks sourced from agri-food waste, combined with natural lime powder.

Thanks to their mineral and silica-rich structure, these materials are naturally suited to prevent mold and fungal growth, even in humid environments, while significantly reducing the building’s environmental impact. This performance is further enhanced by the thickness of the walls and the choice of a lime-based material, which offers lower carbon emissions than concrete and high breathability.

More steps are on the way as Itaca continues to take shape, so stay tuned!

A recent update from Itaca’s construction site!

The 3D printing phase is now complete, and a new layer is taking shape: a green roof is being installed on top of the 3D printed walls, helping restore green space to the landscape.

The building envelope has been insulated using rice husks sourced from agri-food waste, combined with natural lime powder.

Thanks to their mineral and silica-rich structure, these materials are naturally suited to prevent mold and fungal growth, even in humid environments, while significantly reducing the building’s environmental impact. This performance is further enhanced by the thickness of the walls and the choice of a lime-based material, which offers lower carbon emissions than concrete and high breathability.

More steps are on the way as Itaca continues to take shape, so stay tuned!

A recent update from Itaca’s construction site!

The 3D printing phase is now complete, and a new layer is taking shape: a green roof is being installed on top of the 3D printed walls, helping restore green space to the landscape.

The building envelope has been insulated using rice husks sourced from agri-food waste, combined with natural lime powder.

Thanks to their mineral and silica-rich structure, these materials are naturally suited to prevent mold and fungal growth, even in humid environments, while significantly reducing the building’s environmental impact. This performance is further enhanced by the thickness of the walls and the choice of a lime-based material, which offers lower carbon emissions than concrete and high breathability.

More steps are on the way as Itaca continues to take shape, so stay tuned!

Using rice husks sourced from waste produced by the agri-food supply chain and natural lime powder for the insulation of the 3D printed walls of Itaca.

This approach enables the creation of internal insulation rather than external, resulting in a passive energy house.

By combining the selected construction materials with natural insulating materials derived from industrial byproducts, the environmental impact of the walls is drastically reduced, to the point of achieving a negative CO₂ emissions balance.

Using rice husks sourced from waste produced by the agri-food supply chain and natural lime powder for the insulation of the 3D printed walls of Itaca.

This approach enables the creation of internal insulation rather than external, resulting in a passive energy house.

By combining the selected construction materials with natural insulating materials derived from industrial byproducts, the environmental impact of the walls is drastically reduced, to the point of achieving a negative CO₂ emissions balance.

Using rice husks sourced from waste produced by the agri-food supply chain and natural lime powder for the insulation of the 3D printed walls of Itaca.

This approach enables the creation of internal insulation rather than external, resulting in a passive energy house.

By combining the selected construction materials with natural insulating materials derived from industrial byproducts, the environmental impact of the walls is drastically reduced, to the point of achieving a negative CO₂ emissions balance.

Using rice husks sourced from waste produced by the agri-food supply chain and natural lime powder for the insulation of the 3D printed walls of Itaca.

This approach enables the creation of internal insulation rather than external, resulting in a passive energy house.

By combining the selected construction materials with natural insulating materials derived from industrial byproducts, the environmental impact of the walls is drastically reduced, to the point of achieving a negative CO₂ emissions balance.

3D Printing Construction Site Timelapse

Crane WASP, the architectural 3D printer, is designed for rapid assembly, becoming operational in a few hours, without the need for heavy machinery.

The project ‘Ol Casél, a 3D printed service module for the Milan Bergamo Airport, was completed in record time, with only 7 days of printing and 19 days in total for the delivery of the building, demonstrating the speed and versatility of 3D printing technology in the construction sector.

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A project promoted by @edilco_ediliziacoordinata, in collaboration with SACBO S.p.A. and WASP

Location: @milanbergamoairport, Lombardy, Italy
Year of Completion: 2025
Technology Used: Crane WASP

The use of 3D printing in construction is a new world, yet already present

Completed in December 2025 after just a few months of development, Ol Casél is a prime example of how 3D printing can enable the rapid creation of buildings while allowing full customization of shapes, aesthetics, and materials.

The project was completed in record time, with only 7 days of printing and 19 days in total for the delivery of the building, demonstrating the speed and versatility of 3D printing technology in the construction sector.

The initiative was promoted by @edilco_ediliziacoordinata in collaboration with @milanbergamoairport and WASP, as the technical enabler of the project.

3D printing timelapse of “Ol Casèl”: the first airport service building in Italy constructed using 3D printing, located at @milanbergamoairport

The project was completed in record time, with only 7 days of printing and 19 days in total for the delivery of the building, demonstrating the speed and versatility of 3D printing technology in the construction sector.

Ol Casél was created using Crane WASP. Designed to print both natural and traditional construction materials, the machine is now a commercialized product, making it the first Italian architectural 3D printer marketed globally.

A project promoted by @edilco_ediliziacoordinata, in collaboration with SACBO S.p.A. and WASP

Location: @milanbergamoairport, Lombardy, Italy
Year of Completion: 2025
Technology Used: Crane WASP

3D printing timelapse of “Ol Casèl”: the first airport service building in Italy constructed using 3D printing, located at @milanbergamoairport

The project was completed in record time, with only 7 days of printing and 19 days in total for the delivery of the building, demonstrating the speed and versatility of 3D printing technology in the construction sector.

Ol Casél was created using Crane WASP. Designed to print both natural and traditional construction materials, the machine is now a commercialized product, making it the first Italian architectural 3D printer marketed globally.

A project promoted by @edilco_ediliziacoordinata, in collaboration with SACBO S.p.A. and WASP

Location: @milanbergamoairport, Lombardy, Italy
Year of Completion: 2025
Technology Used: Crane WASP

Combining 3D printing with traditional construction

Ol Casél was created using Crane WASP, the modular, 3D printing system that reimagines traditional building cranes through the lens of digital manufacturing.

The walls are fully 3D-printed, while windows, doors, and the roof were added after printing. The two methods are fully integrated: the 3D printing process is designed to include spaces for wiring and openings, avoiding extra work like drilling after printing.

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A project promoted by @edilco_ediliziacoordinata, in collaboration with SACBO S.p.A. and WASP

Location: @milanbergamoairport, Lombardy, Italy
Year of Completion: 2025
Technology Used: Crane WASP