Three-dimensional printing of cementitious materials for construction has been extensively investigated in recent years, with several demonstration projects successfully carried out. These efforts aim to leverage the printing process to achieve more efficient production of components compared to conventional concrete technologies. This includes both the process itself (eliminating the formwork stage) and the flexibility in producing complexly shaped elements. To maximize the potential of 3D printing in the construction industry, additional steps must be taken, grounded in a holistic view of the entire process. This involves integration of the production chain, including design, materials, and manufacturing of components, to create elements with optimal performance, encompassing structural, environmental, and architectural aspects. Such multi-functionality requires the viewing of 3D printing not just as a production technology but as a platform enabling the integration of all these components. To advance this approach, quantitative tools are developed to optimize the following three key components: material composition; manufacturing parameters to ensure buildability; and design tools to optimize multiple performance criteria, particularly structural and architectural shape. A demonstration component, namely a post-tensioned beam, featuring two multi-functional characteristics—structural and architectural—is designed, produced, and evaluated. The scientific concepts and research tools used to develop these quantitative design tools are multidisciplinary, including rheological characterization, control of the internal structure and composition of granular materials, simulation of the mechanical behavior of green material during printing, and the hardened properties of the components, all utilizing structural optimization to enhance performance.

Afforestation in drylands is an active ecosystem restoration strategy shown to increase ecosystem services in these regions, which are highly prone to land degradation. Nevertheless, seedling recruitment is difficult in such projects due to various biotic and abiotic stresses. This paper proposes a methodology for providing tree seedlings in drylands with 3D-printed soil-based bioclimatic envelopes. The workflow suggests key aspects in transforming locally sourced soils to 3D printable, bioclimatically performable materials. Essential robotic tooling aspects and processing parameters are proposed. In addition, ways to embed site-specific data to algorithmically conceive a customized envelope according to the tree species are suggested.