Design workflow for porous 3D printed biocement geometries

Microbially induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) offers a low-energy, carbon-efficient alternative to traditional mineral material production, yet its integration into digital fabrication for architectural applications remains limited. This research presents a design-to-biofabrication workflow that combines computational geometry, robotic extrusion-based 3D printing, and MICP. The study introduces a methodology that uses porosity, surface-area-to-volume (SA/V) ratio, interlayer connectivity, and overhang capacity as coupled design parameters that balance biocementation requirements and fabrication constraints. Through iterative testing of Triply Periodic Minimal Surfaces (TPMS) geometries, an “Optimized Unit” was developed and refined to improve printability and biomineralization efficiency. The workflow is validated through a 1 m 2 architectural partition wall demonstrator that illustrates the potential for modular biomineralized architectural components. The results show that calibrated geometric control enables stable extrusion while enhancing mineral distribution, demonstrating a pathway toward architecturally scaled bio-fabricated mineral components.