3D printed shop opens its doors in London

Bottletop specialises in the manufacturing of handbags made from bobbin tabs since working with leather goods firm Mulberry. Turning to sustainable materials, Bottletop have opened a shop consisting of 3D printed parts from plastic bottles. In addition, they have a KUKA 3D printer on display next to their keychains and jewellery bags.

Bottletop: 3D printed shop 
However, the shop isn’t finished yet. Many additional upgrades are planned. “The shop will change over time and become a real recycled paradise,” said Oliver Wayman, Bottletop Co-founder. “There are not many people who are familiar with 3D printing or robotics. If we can show how these technologies can be used to reduce waste in the construction and fashion sectors, then this is a very convincing argument.” Some of the planned upgrades include covering the walls with 3D printed panels to offer customers a more novel shopping experience.

Krause Architects designed the main shop's interior. In addition, Al Build’s KUKA 3D printers created the majority of the shop's structures. These powerful machines are capable of printing the recycled filament and can create structures up to 3.2x2.4x2.8m.

3D printing and the environment
Discussing the shop, Wayman added: “For the first time, our visitors will see how this technology can be used sustainably while shopping. It is very satisfying for us to know that our customers can witness the transformation of the shop, from a sleek exhibition space to an 'upcycled' ecosystem. On the ceiling, we will find our metal canopy with thousands of cans embedded in a 3D printed lattice structure suspended from the ceiling.”

Bottletop is a project that could bring to the public’s attention 3D printing and it’s environmental opportunities. Through integrating 3D printing and recycling, this shows a shop can be fun, fashionable, and environmental.

Image credit: 3Dnatives