Undula Facade

The Undula Facade project presents a 3D-printed cement mortar facade composed of undulating, segmented columns, which satisfy both global and print-layer-wise structural equilibrium. It employs a holistic structural design approach that integrates structural, material, and robotic-fabrication considerations into a single computational design workflow. An extended formulation of Combinatorial Equilibrium Modeling (CEM) is utilized to generate a globally equilibrated structural network. This network is subdivided into discrete elements, enabling the introduction of non-planar print layers that precisely control local force transmission and joint geometry while maintaining layer-wise equilibrium during fabrication.

The realized facade consists of two 12-meter-long sections, each comprising 24 columns with heights ranging from 4.60 m to 6.65 m, and 4.50 m to 6.55 m. To meet fabrication and assembly constraints, the network is divided into 240 individual drums, each produced using robotic extrusion-based 3D printing. The fabrication setup integrates accelerators and embedded filament reinforcement to enhance early strength and tensile capacity. All elements are assembled using non-planar dry joints combined with localized prestressing, eliminating the need for conventional formwork.

The successful prefabrication and assembly of the Undula Facade validate the proposed approach and demonstrate its structural integrity. As a proof of concept, the Undula Facade demonstrates the potential of equilibrium-informed 3D printing in the context of resource-efficient, structurally optimized architectural systems.

Planning & Realization
Frederic Chovghi (TUM Structural Design), Martin Staudinger (STS | UniQum)

Research, Architectural Concept & Structural Design
Frederic Chovghi (TUM Structural Design), Sebastian Dietrich (TUM Structural Design), Jesus Daniel Meza Zeron (TUM Structural Design), Prof. Dr. Pierluigi D'Acunto (TUM Structural Design)

Scientific Supervision:
Prof. Dr. Pierluigi D'Acunto (TUM Structural Design)

Fabrication & Assembly
Martin Staudinger (STS | UniQum), Johann Staudinger (STS | UniQum), Alexander Göschl (STS | UniQum), Team UniQum, Team STS

Camera, Editing & Documentation
Lisa Ableitner (TUM Structural Design), Andre Chovghi (TUM Structural Design), Frederic Chovghi (TUM Structural Design)