SYLVA
SYLVA reimagines construction by 3D printing architectural bricks using biocomposites made from lignin and cellulose — effectively creating wood without trees. The system integrates computational design, robotic extrusion, and material intelligence to build structures that are not only sustainable, but also structurally optimized.
Cansu Ersoy
TU Delft
Building Technology
Over het initiatief / About the initiative
In welke fase zit jouw initiatief? / In what stage is your initiative?
Startupfase
Heb je jouw initiatief al gevalideerd? / Did you validate your initiative?
Yes — through material testing, tensile strength analysis, and full-scale robotic printing trials in collaboration with CEAD, SAM|XL, and 10XL. Three strength-graded material formulations were developed and physically validated, along with a custom slicing workflow that adapts toolpaths to material behavior.
Meer informatie over jouw initiatief / More info about your initiative
SYLVA is a computational design and fabrication system that creates 3D-printed architectural bricks using biocomposites made from lignin and cellulose — essentially wood without trees. By combining robotic extrusion, parametric design, and strength-based material grading, the project introduces a novel way to construct with circular resources that are structurally optimized and digitally controlled. Unlike most sustainable printing approaches, SYLVA doesn’t just reuse material — it redefines how form, performance, and fabrication interact, using waste-derived wood-like compounds to build smarter, lighter, and more climate-conscious structures. Validated through full-scale robotic trials and mechanical testing, the next steps include scaling to architectural applications, developing weatherproof variants, and transitioning from thesis to real-world deployment.
Wat is er anders/nieuw aan jouw idee/oplossing t.o.v. bestaande oplossingen? / What is different/new about your idea/solution compared to existing solutions??
SYLVA doesn’t just 3D print with bioplastics — it creates a new architectural language using wood-like materials without cutting down trees. It introduces a strength-driven system where brick geometry and print parameters respond to the mechanical behavior of the material. While current sustainable printing tends to focus on form or recyclability, SYLVA integrates material formulation, digital fabrication, and structural design in one coherent, scalable workflow.
Wat zijn jouw volgende stappen om het verder te ontwikkelen? / What are your next steps to develop the initiative?
Build a full-scale demonstrator wall using the strength-graded brick families
Develop weatherproof or outdoor-compatible versions of the biocomposite
Collaborate with industry partners for real-world application (e.g. pavilions or facades)
Expand the slicing workflow into a user-friendly toolkit for architects and fabricators
Secure funding to continue R&D and explore startup/spin-off pathways
Wat heb je nodig om (nog meer) impact te maken met dit initiatief? / What do you need to make (more) impact with this initiative?
Funding for advanced prototyping, environmental testing, and robotic access
Business mentorship to transition from research to application
A broader network of collaborators in green building, material science, and architectural practice
Visibility in innovation platforms to raise awareness of SYLVA’s potential and attract early adopters
