A hydrogel material made of nanocellulose and algae has been tested as an alternative, greener architectural material. The material can be 3D printed into a wide array of architectural components, using much less energy than conventional construction methods. It could be applied to design a wide array of architectural standalone components, such as lightweight room dividers, blinds, and wall panel systems. It could also form the basis for coatings of existing building components, such as tiles to clad walls, acoustic elements for damping sound, and combined with other materials to clad skeleton walls.