The Circular Factory

Proud to finally share this collaborative project with Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia a timber pergola designed and built using robotic fabrication with raw local laurel logs. This demonstrator explored how microfactories like ours can turn nearby resources — trees, talent, and tools — into sustainable, high-quality, high-tech architecture that is community-centred. From scanning raw logs to robotic milling and assembly, this was a fully digital process executed on-site in Roatan. Thanks to the IAAC MRAC faculty and students, our structural consultants, and the Circular Factory team for turning this into a reality. A step forward in proving that high-performance design can be locally sourced, culturally relevant, and environmentally mindful. #digitalfabrication #robotics #localmaterials #microfactory #architecture #timberdesign #sustainability #circularfactory #iaac #roatan

We’ve just returned from Zuitzerland — a Zuzalu-inspired gathering in the Alps — where we had the opportunity to share Circular Factory’s work and contribute to vital conversations about the future of cities, technologies, and community-building. Circular Factory is developing a network of agile micro-factories equipped with advanced manufacturing and computational design tools, bringing digital fabrication on-site / near-site. Our goal is to support decentralized, sustainable, and high-performance building practices. At the gathering, we also shared insights from our ongoing work at Próspera where CF is testing how localized, high-tech production can support new civic and economic frameworks. By embedding digital fabrication at the local level and creating physical production infrastructures, we can enable organic, resilient urban growth, allowing visionary ideas to take material form with design and fabrication happening close to where people live and build. Much of the dialogue at Zuitzerland focused on decentralization, governance, AI, cognition systems, d/acc and many fascinating topics. We’re grateful to the organizers for including architecture and building systems in the conversation. Building the future takes more than protocols — it requires tools, materials, and practices that support holistic, nature-integrated, and community-rooted ways of living. It was energising to be part of such a thoughtful, future-facing gathering. Thanks so much for having us and curating such a fascinating conversation! If you're working on new cities, distributed manufacturing, or technologies for ecological and social innovation, we’d love to connect. Circular Factory is partnering with developers, designers, and city builders exploring new models of living, making, and building. #Zuitzerland #NewCities #DACC #NetworkStates #Decentralization #DistributedManufacturing  #CircularFactory #MicroFactory #DigitalFabrication #PrefabArchitecture  #ComputationalDesign #ArchitectureTech #TechForSocialImpact  #HolisticLiving #RegenerativeDesign #LocalProduction #IntentionalArchitecture   #DesignInnovation #TechnologyForGood #FutureOfCities #TechEthics

We are excited to be part of the #VeniceArchitectureBiennale 2025, exhibiting at #PalazzoMora as part of the #TimeSpaceExistence group exhibition. The Circular Factory contribution showcases innovative research in hybrid timber-metal assemblies. The prototype includes an active-bent laminated arch with a curve-creased folded aluminum formwork for concrete casting. The demonstrator is part of our research in 'Hybrid kits of Parts for Urban Regeneration" The project explores the development of a mass-customized kit of parts in the form of adaptive spatial modules, designed for disassembly, reuse, and reconfigurability. These modules enable faster market adaptation and align with circular economy principles by incorporating sustainable materials like manufactured timber products and hybrid timber-metal assemblies. The project aims to develop user-configurable solutions and advanced manufacturing technologies by creating scalable, highly customisable flexible spatial assets that adapt to diverse urban needs. These modules are ideal for transforming vacant parking lots and underutilized spaces into dynamic, multi-functional hubs that enhance community experiences. This project is the result of a synergetic effort bridging the microfactory fabrication capabilities of The Circular Factory with academic research at the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape - University of Calgary in collaboration with Zaha Hadid Architects CODE, Fast + Epp engineers. We’re grateful to the European Cultural Centre, Lucia Pedrana and her team for being among so many inspiring projects shaping the future of architecture. Title: hybrid structures for urban regeneration Credits: DESIGN Zaha Hadid Architects Computation and Design Group (CODE) Digital Fabrication , Production, Robotic Manufacture Circular Factory Structural Engineering Fast + Epp Prototyping, Documentation, and Multi-Media School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape - University of Calgary With the support of City of Calgary, Jason Cameron Forest Products Innovation Carbon Upcycling Technologies, Madison Savilow #VeniceBiennale2025 #TimeSpaceExistence #PalazzoMora #DigitalFabrication #SustainableArchitecture #MaterialInnovation #ArchitecturalResearch #digitaltimber #roboticfabrication #curvecreasedfolding