# Biodegradable Forest Shelters This 3D-Printed Design of Blends into the Natural Surroundings By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2014-10-01 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3d-printed-design References: [design-milk](http://design-milk.com/worlds-first-3d-printed-architecture-by-smith-allen-studio/) & [archdaily](http://www.archdaily.com/419306/echoviren-smith-allen/) Echoviren is a 3D-printed design by the Smith Allen Studio that was developed for the Project 387 Residency. This project called for a structure that would be responsive to its environment, which in this case was a forest. The 10x10x8' structure mimics the natural surroundings of the forest and what's truly interesting about this project is that it was completely printed and assembled on-site. The [3D-printed panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/archaeological-complex-of-carmona) snapped together in order to create a seamless surface from the outside. In order to create this sculpture in the forest, the 3D printers were busily working away for over two months, and the structure took a total of four days to assemble. Printed from bio-plastic, the design is set to decompose naturally within the next half century. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.7/10 - Popularity: 77% | Activity: 85% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) > [Eco Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/ecoarchitecture) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Biodegradable Architecture:** This trend shows a growing interest in structures that can decompose naturally, presenting opportunities for architects and builders to experiment with new materials and processes. - **3D Printing in Construction:** This trend highlights the potential for 3D printing to revolutionize the construction industry by enabling the creation of complex and customized structures on-site. - **Responsive Architecture:** This trend reflects a rising demand for buildings that can adapt and respond to their surroundings, leading to new opportunities for architects and designers to create innovative and sustainable designs. ### Who This Affects Most - **Construction:** This industry can explore the use of biodegradable materials and 3D printing technologies to create sustainable and innovative structures for various applications. - **Architecture:** This industry can take advantage of the trend towards responsive and biodegradable architecture to create more sustainable, eco-friendly and visually stunning designs. - **Sustainability:** This industry can drive the development of new materials and technologies that support the trend towards more sustainable and eco-friendly construction and architecture practices. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Mycelium-Growing 3D-Printed Scaffolds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3dprinted-scaffold.md) - [Sustainable Growth Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/treesoil.md) - [Fully Recyclable 3D-Printed Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/biohome3d.md) - [3D-Printed Mycelium Columns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blast-studio.md) - [3D-Printed Mycelium Reefs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pierre-oskam.md) - [Organically Printed Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lib-earth-house.md) - [3D-Printed Wooden Furniture Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/econitwood.md) - [Prefab Timber Pods](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/forest-nests-treepod-project.md) - [3D-Printed Cacao Waste Villages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cacao-eco-village.md)