3D printing offers an eco-friendly construction method that reduces the use of concrete and cuts labor costs. According to Vincent Maillet, operations manager for Dubai-based start-up Concreative, this technology could help fulfill Dubai’s ambition to construct 25% of its buildings with the technique by 2030.
Dubai has been at the forefront of this revolutionary technology with a litany of ‘firsts’. Kila Design recently completed the world’s first 3D printed office building in Dubai.
Emaar’s First 3D Printed Villa
Despite its early stage in the world of 3D printing technology, Dubai has already made some notable strides when it comes to architecture and construction projects. In 2021, the city constructed the first two-story 640 square meter building using this method, showing how 3D printing can transform the industry by reducing costs and speeding up construction time. In addition, it can help to lower labor expenses and reduce waste.
The following year, real estate developer Emaar Properties unveiled Dubai’s first 3D-printed villa. Designed by U+A Architects and spanning 202 square meters, the printed home features integrated parking and three bedrooms, demonstrating how this emerging technology can be used to build innovative homes with unique designs. The project aligns with Dubai’s 3D Printing Strategy, which aims to use this technology to construct 25% of buildings by 2030.
The project was completed by using a robotic concrete printer from CyBe, a Dutch company that specializes in this type of technology. The machine is mounted on caterpillar tracks, allowing the robot to move freely as it prints concrete layers. The process takes between two and five days to complete one layer, while the finished product is much lighter than conventional structures and can withstand Dubai’s harsh climate. The company hopes to expand this service, which can also be used to build public buildings and schools.
Dubai’s First 3D Printed Office Building
Dubai already boasts one of the world’s tallest buildings in the Burj Khalifa, but it may soon also be home to the first fully printed office building. Designed by Kila Design, the two-story structure will serve as the temporary headquarters of the Dubai Future Foundation and will act as an incubator for emerging technologies.
Using a 3D printer that measures 20 feet high, 120 feet long and 40 feet wide, the building was printed in 17 days. According to the manufacturer, Apis Cor, only one person was needed to monitor the printing process and a team of seven took care of installation of building components on-site, saving more than 50 percent of labor costs.
As the demand for greener and more sustainable construction methods continues to grow, developers are turning to 3D printing as a way of meeting this need. By layering materials based on digital models, 3D printing reduces waste, optimises resource utilisation and cuts construction time. In addition, it can help to address labour shortages by replacing manual and repetitive tasks with automated ones.
As a result, 3D printing is revolutionising the construction industry by making it faster, safer and more cost-effective. This is especially important in the UAE, which is currently experiencing a shortage of skilled workers. To tackle this challenge, companies like 3DXB are collaborating with architects, engineers, and developers to provide full integration services for integrating 3D printing technology into building projects. This can include project planning, feasibility assessments, coordination with stakeholders, and on-site implementation of the printing processes.
Dubai’s First 3D Printed Municipal Building
The UAE has been at the forefront of 3D printing technology. Its architects are no longer restricted to traditional shapes of office buildings, as they can now create futuristic structures that can be printed using concrete. This is a significant step in the evolution of architecture and construction projects, allowing for more creative designs and unique forms.
One of the most notable examples is Dubai’s first 3D-printed municipal building. Designed by Gensler and built by robotic construction company Apis Cor, the two-story structure is believed to be the largest building to be constructed entirely using 3D printers. Its walls stand at 9.5 meters high and its total area is 640 square meters—bigger than the printing surface of Apis Cor’s large-scale 3D printer.
The building was completed in just 17 days, using half the number of workers and generating 60% less waste. The printer also used 50% less cement compared to the traditional method of building. Despite this, there are some crucial elements of traditional construction that will always need to be done by human hands, such as the installation of windows and plumbing systems. The city of Dubai hopes to use 3D-printed concrete for 25% of its buildings by 2030. This goal is expected to cut costs and restructure the labor market by reducing the demand for manual work.
Dubai’s First 3D Printed Residential Building
3D printing technology is transforming construction projects across the UAE. It significantly reduces building costs and timelines and creates more sustainable structures. Additionally, it eliminates the need for heavy machinery and equipment, which means less pollution. The UAE is one of the most advanced countries in the world when it comes to implementing this innovative technology.
One notable example is the Office of the Future, which was built using additive concrete printing technology. The building was completed in 2016 and is the headquarters of the Dubai Future Foundation. It was designed by the firm Killa Design and is now a fully functional and occupied space.
In addition to its environmental benefits, the building is a practical space to work in as well. Its sculpted shape optimises the use of natural sunlight, reducing energy usage and cooling needs. It also minimises the need for interior walls, making it easy to reconfigure and repurpose the space in the future.
The future of 3D printing in architecture and construction is likely to be even more widespread. As more people move to cities, there will be a growing need for quick-build homes. The ability to print houses could help address this issue and provide affordable solutions for the millions of people around the world living in poverty. The UAE is leading the way in this innovation, with Dubai’s goal to have 25% of its buildings 3D printed by 2030.
