3D Printed buildings in Dubai: A look at the present and future
Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, The Sustainable City and Al Barari; the UAE construction industry has given us a lot of projects to talk about. Similarly, it has played an important role in the economic development of the country. Along with attracting a slew of visitors who are keen to witness these architectural marvels, the construction industry in Dubai has also taken strategic calls to implement environment-friendly technologies to reduce carbon footprint and increase efficiencies. The 3D printed buildings in Dubai are the latest offerings from some of the industry’s top players.
3D Printed Buildings in Dubai
Keeping in line with the overall vision for Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai launched projects to work towards developing the scope for 3D printed buildings in Dubai. To coordinate all such efforts and monitor their progress, an office was opened in the emirate. As per the goal defined by this office, by 2030, the number of 3D printed buildings in Dubai would reach 25%. This strategy is likely to cut down labour requirements by 60% and the total cost by 90% in different sectors.
In a short period of time, incredible progress has been made in this regard. 3D printed buildings in Dubai are a matter of pride for its residents.
The World’s First Two-Storey 3D Printed Building
The world’s first 2-storey 3D printed building was unveiled in Warsan, Dubai in 2019. Standing 9.5 metres tall and covering an area of 640 square metres, it is the largest 3D printed building ever made. However, to ensure safety, a lot of time was invested in the project. The testing period took a year and numerous small changes were made as per the request of the experts.
A small team of 15 members built this incredible structure. The construction phase was achieved by laying down a fluid over a path calculated by a computer, which was of great interest to experts across the world. A solid structure formed when the fluids hardened. Since each layer is mapped by a computer, more layers of fluid were added to form other structures. Interestingly, floors, walls and ceiling of the building were made using layers of fluid. Different shapes and curves were part of the design as a way to test the 3D printer’s capacities.
The successful unveiling of the building was a major landmark for the whole industry. A 60% reduction in terms of waste production was achieved in comparison to the conventional construction process. Moreover, it proved that complex structures can be produced by this method.
World’s First 3D Printed Office: The Office of the Future
The Office of the Future, the world’s first 3D printed office, was inaugurated in Dubai on May 23, 2016, by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. A 20 ft. high, 120 ft. long and 40 ft. wide 3D-printer was used to print the building in 17 days. Installing the entire structure took about 48 hours (2 days). Subsequent building services and landscaping took about 3 months.
Located at the foot of the well-known Emirates Towers, the project involved a team of 10 electricians and specialists. The total project cost was approximately 50% lower than the estimated expense for a building constructed using conventional methods would be. Dubai and WinSun Global (Yingchuang in the original Chinese) built this office in partnership. Moreover, Gensler, Thornton Tomasetti and Syska Hennessy were also part of the process.
What does the future hold for the construction industry?
According to estimates, around 11% of Dubai’s GDP comes from construction. The industry continues to evolve and innovations are being adopted on an ongoing basis.
Given the rapid development in the technology sector and the keen interest shown by the public and private sector, it would be safe to predict that the 25% goal set for 3D printed buildings in Dubai would be achieved.
Middle East’s first industrial-scale concrete 3D printing plant was inaugurated in Dubai last year. UAE-based Concreative unveiled the unit on 18th June 2019 at its Nad al-Hammar factory. It was a joint venture between two local UAE companies Econstruct, Draw Link and France’s Freyssinet. A robot system allows printing complex concrete shapes that are 4.5 metres in height and 6 metres in length.
Another company known as Cazza up is working on building the world’s first 3D-printed skyscraper in Dubai.
Perhaps Emaar, the real estate giant is taking the most significant strides in this area. They are building Premier 3D Printed House in Arabian Ranches III, which will revolutionise the property market. Companies will be able to build and deliver homes in a shorter span of time and with reduced waste production. Very soon, we could see 3D printed villas in Dubai.
It is no surprise that Dubai is leading the way in establishing this industry. Construction companies in Dubai hire top experts from around the world to provide the best solutions for residents. The emirate is home to some of the most stunning skyscrapers including the tallest building in the world, Burj Khalifa – a major tourist attraction in Downtown Dubai. Besides, there are some really unique residential buildings in Dubai too.
Constructing 3D Printed homes in Dubai is certainly a priority for top industry leaders and the government. 3D buildings in Dubai have proven that this method enhances productivity, reduces cost and increases sustainability.
Numerous local and international companies have invested heavily in research and development. So we can expect a great deal of rapid advancement in this sector. Perhaps when looking to buy properties in Dubai, you can keep these factors into consideration.
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