Separo: 3D printed wall

I have defined the product I aimed for by observing what is already made out of concrete, but could be significantly improved by 3D printing.

‍The market

‍One of the most forgotten pieces of lower quality design are concrete garden fences. Nowadays, they are often prefabricated in the unnatural shapes, those can have negative impact on the visual side of the neighbourhoods.The contemporary market offers can be unsatisfactory for users that are looking for a natural looking options.I decided to choose the quite opposite way by developing a fence that can be easily absorbed by the greenery around, which makes it stiff and durable,


‍The shape

‍When looking for the inspiration, I bumped into the Cabinet of Curiosities by Ronald Raelwhich inspired me in combining the 3D printing method with greenery, and the pattern that creates natural look in high volumes.My inspiration also came from the shapes of wasp (and other animal) nests, cocoons and shells.


‍3D printed concrete

During my research and design process, I also had to focus on the limits of concrete in 3D printing. Compared to the usual method of processing the material, there are many advantages, while keeping the qualities and strength of a regular concrete. Thanks to the 3D printing method we can also easily improve these qualities, by choosing the right additives.The 3D printer is completely programmable, which makes it easier to create desired patterns, without having to rely on multiple step production.

I went for a pattern that creates a natural finish and a light-looking appearance. My great helper was the Grashopper programme, creating regular and irregular patterns for me. This method would be useful when creating a made-to-measure design solution, with the final data.

When finalising the visual side, I sticked to two possible final solutions: regular pattern and an irregular one inspired by Voronoi Diagram.

While this was creating during the pandemic times, I realised how big need we have for being surrounded by nature; so, in the creative process I got inspired by the organic shapes and structures of nests and hives that are being created by layering. This process makes the final product firm enough while using just enough of the material.

My aim was to create a wall that doesn't interrupt its surroundings by its visual but is an equal and natural part of it. The wall is very subtly shaped in a repetitive pattern, therefore the changing light creates various shapes during the day. The hooks in the wall allow to hand plants in it to make it little more alive.