The world’s first 3D-printed office opened at the Emirates Towers complex in Dubai.
It only took 17 days to print the basic form of the 2,690-sf office, which was made of a layered cement mixture. Additional internal and external finishing time was required. Gizmag reports that the printing was most likely done in sections and assembled on site.
The crew for the project was relatively small. Seven workers installed building components on the site, and 10 electricians and specialists handled the mechanical and electrical engineering. One worker monitored the printer.
According to the Government of Dubai, the labor cost of the project was 50% lower than conventional buildings of the same size.
One of the companies that Dubai commissioned for the printing was WinSun, a Shanghai-based design engineering firm that has created 3D-printed houses and apartment buildings.
Related Stories
Coronavirus | Apr 4, 2020
COVID-19: Architecture firms churn out protective face shields using their 3D printers
Architecture firms from coast to coast have suddenly turned into manufacturing centers for the production of protective face shields and face masks for use by healthcare workers fighting the COVID-10 pandemic.
AEC Tech | Feb 13, 2020
Exclusive research: Download the final report for BD+C's Giants 300 Technology and Innovation Study
This survey of 130 of the nation's largest architecture, engineering, and construction firms tracks the state of AEC technology adoption and innovation initiatives at the AEC Giants.
3D Printing | Dec 10, 2019
6,888-sf Dubai Municipality building is the largest 3D printed building to date
Apis Cor 3D printed the building.
3D Printing | Sep 17, 2019
Additive manufacturing goes mainstream in the industrial sector
More manufacturers now include this production process in their factories.
3D Printing | Jun 10, 2019
Thornton Tomasetti invests in 3D printing firm
XtreeE focuses on large-scale 3D-printing for the AEC industry.
3D Printing | Mar 14, 2019
Saudi Arabia just purchased the largest 3D construction printer in the world
COBOD developed the printer, dubbed the BOD2.
3D Printing | Dec 7, 2018
Additive manufacturing heads to the jobsite
Prototype mobile 3D printing shop aims to identify additive manufacturing applications for construction jobsites.
3D Printing | Aug 31, 2018
Marines built the world’s first continuous 3D-printed concrete barracks in 40 hours
Normally, it takes 10 Marines five days to build a traditional barracks out of wood.
3D Printing | Aug 29, 2018
Dubai plans to 3D print 25% of every new building by 2025
The Dubai Future Foundation recently announced the Dubai 3D Printing Strategy.
Accelerate Live! | Jun 24, 2018
Watch all 19 Accelerate Live! talks on demand
BD+C’s second annual Accelerate Live! AEC innovation conference (May 10, 2018, Chicago) featured talks on AI for construction scheduling, regenerative design, the micro-buildings movement, post-occupancy evaluation, predictive visual data analytics, digital fabrication, and more. Take in all 19 talks on demand.