A 17-year-old high school student from Naperville has turned his passion for engineering into a historic achievement by constructing a 17-feet-tall Eiffel Tower replica entirely from toothpicks, earning official recognition from Guinness World Records.
The remarkable structure, reaching 5.28 meters (17.32 feet) in height, is now the world’s tallest building made exclusively from toothpicks. Designed by Eric Cable, the tower features four sturdy lower legs, each eight feet long, supporting a slender upper structure that mirrors the iconic Eiffel Tower. Despite the delicate material, the design maintained a perfect balance of height and stability.
Eric, who previously held the record for the tallest popsicle stick structure in 2020, explained that building with toothpicks was a far greater challenge. “Toothpicks are smaller and less strong than popsicle sticks, so I had to carefully plan and practice with smaller models before attempting the full tower,” he said.
The construction process involved assembling long rows of glued toothpicks into sections, which were later combined at a public event in Naperville. The meticulous work required patience, precision, and creative problem-solving, highlighting Eric’s dedication to STEM and engineering.
“This record reflects months of planning, practice, and passion,” Eric added. “It’s thrilling to achieve something like this at a young age and share it with others.” The achievement has inspired aspiring engineers and creators worldwide, demonstrating that curiosity, creativity, and persistence can turn even tiny materials into monumental accomplishments.
