We’ve seen 3D printing being used for all sorts of things, like creating fake animal parts to discourage poaching, to even 3D printing supercars, so what’s next? Now we know that 3D printing a building, or at least part of a building is possible, but what about 3D printing an entire building?Apparently that is something the United Arab Emirates National Innovation Committee is interested in as they have announced a project in which they plan to 3D print an entire office building in Dubai. The project will be led by a company called WinSun Global who had previously 3D printed an entire apartment building, so safe to say they have some experience in this matter.
Best of all? Not only will the building be 3D printed, but the furniture used in the building will be as well! According to Al Gergawi, the Chairman of the UAE National Innovation Committee, “This building will be a testimony to the efficiency and creativity of 3D printing technology, which we believe will play a major role in reshaping construction and design sectors. We aim to take advantage of this growth by becoming a global hub for innovation and 3D printing. This is the first step of many more to come.”
To make this dream a reality, a 3D printer measuring 20 feet tall will be used to construct this 2,000 square foot building. It will use Special Reinforced Concrete, Fiber Reinforced Plastic, and Glass Fiber Reinforced Gypsum to help ensure that the end result won’t collapse onto itself. It is expected to take a few weeks to complete and ultimately reduce labor costs by as much as 50-80%, while reducing construction waste by 30-60%.
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