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62 CPI %u2013 Concrete Plant International %u2013 4 | 2025 www.cpi-worldwide.comThis integrated approach%u2014merging design, engineering, material science, and robotic fabrication%u2014is at the heart of the NCCR Digital Fabrication%u2019s research culture. Tor Alva exemplifies how interdisciplinary collaboration enables architectural innovation and advances new methods of construction. It reflects NCCR DFAB%u2019s core philosophy: cross-disciplinary integration, co-development of technology, and full-scale testing.From Research to Real-World ApplicationThe impact of this research extends beyond academia. Two spin-offs from NCCR DFAB%u2014MESH AG and Saeki AG%u2014played key roles in the project. MESH provided robotic reinforcement systems for the complex concrete geometries, while Saeki developed industrialised printed formwork solutions. Their involvement highlights how research at DFAB leads to applied technologies with market relevance, bridging the gap between experimental fabrication and scalable construction methods. nFURTHER INFORMATIONwww.dfab.chwww.eth.ch www.origen.chNova Fundaziun Origen was building the Tor Alva in close collaboration with ETH Zurich, the construction companies Uffer Group and Zindel United and the engineering firm Conzett Bronzini Partner AG. The architects of Tor Alva are Prof. Benjamin Dillenburger (Chair of Digital Building Technologies, ETH Zurich) and Michael Hansmeyer. The ETH professorships of Robert Flatt (Building Materials, ETH Zurich) and Walter Kaufmann (Structural Engineering, ETH Zurich), together with other researchers from the National Centre of Competence in Research Digital Fabrication (NCCR DFAB), have made significant contributions to the development. The construction of the Tor Alva is an architectural, engineering and financial challenge. The tower could only be realised thanks to the courageous commitment of generous foundations, companies and private individuals.Tor Alva rises 30 metres, about the height of a ten-storey building. It%u2019s built from 124 3D-printed elements, including 48 fully structural columns and a domed cupola at the top.%u00a9Benjamin Hofer, Nova Fundaziun Origen %u00a9Benjamin Hofer, Nova Fundaziun Origen