Altamura P., Perotta A. C. (2023), “Stampa 3D in argilla e lolla di riso. Dall’architettura al design per la transizione ecologica | 3D printing in clay and rice husk. From architecture to design for the ecological transition”, in A.F.L. Baratta, Calcagnini L., Magarò A. (eds.), Atti del V Convegno Internazionale REcycling. Il valore della materia nella transizione ecologica del settore delle costruzioni, Anteferma Edizioni, Conegliano (TV), pp. 108-119 - ISBN: 979-12-5953-046-2.

The transition from a linear to a circular economy, oriented towards reuse, recycling and recovery, is an essential step within the ecological transition. Designers, within a life cycle design approach, must consider how materials, as tangent physical elements and as limited resources, impact the planet. In a circular and material resource efficiency perspective, therefore, waste materials - especially those coming from bio-economy - represent a strategic investigation and experimentation field for both architecture and product design. This contribution illustrates the case study of an Italian company, Ricehouse, which has created a material for bio-architecture reusing waste of the rice cultivation with various innovative production techniques, including 3D printing. Starting from the experience of Ricehouse, using rice husk and clay for 3D printing in architecture, this study implemented an experimentation in the field of product design, with the objective of expanding the material’s application possibilities. From the point of view of Material Driven Design, the study started with the analysis of the properties, characteristics and technical performances of the material, in order to identify and explore its potential further uses. The results of this research phase showed that indoor use of the material is possible, for the design of modular elements for furniture. Then the experimentation saw the development of a conceptual and detailed design solution for a modular system printed in 3D and assemblable by the user, and therefore flexible and apt to modifications over time. The design project of the modular system Future research could investigate further data and technical specifications that characterize the material to verify its feasibility and explore further areas of application.