Courtesy UAE Innovation Committee.
3D printing
The world's most advanced 3D-printed structure is to be printed and assembled in Dubai, UAE, as part of the UAE's National Innovation Strategy.
The office, which is the first initiative of the metropolis' previously announced scheme, will be built using a 20-ft tall 3D printer in a partnership between Dubai and WinSun Global, along with Thornton Tomasetti, Gensler and Syska Hennessey Group.
The office building will be 2,000 ft sq in size and was announced in a press conference in June.
Mohamed Al Gergawi, Chairman of the UAE National Innovation Committee said: "The project reflects the vision of our leadership here in Dubai.
"The idea of 3D printing buildings was once a dream, but today it has become a reality. 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 … This is the first step of many more to come."
Thornton Tomasetti - which has partnered with WinSun Global on low-rise, additive manufactured construction projects in the past - has put Senior Principal and Middle East Region Leader Kyle Krall in charge of coordinating the structural engineering side of the project.
"Thornton Tomasetti is excited to be involved in advancing this innovative design and construction process," he stated. "We have made great strides, but this is only the beginning of what is possible. We can potentially combine 3D printing technology with both emerging materials and existing materials used in new ways to take our industry in a fresh direction."
Courtesy UAE Innovation Committee.
3D printing
In addition to the structure of the office, the interior of the building - including furniture - will be made using 3D printing technology. The materials will comprise a mixture of Special Reinforced Concrete, Glass Fibre Reinforced Gypsum and Fibre Reinforced Plastic, making the office the most advanced 3D printed structure of this scale ever to be completed and used.
In addition to reducing construction waste by between 30 and 60 per cent, the process will slash labour costs by between 50 and 80 per cent.
When complete, the facility will house 16 people comfortably and will be used as a hub for businesses and community groups featuring an open floorplan, a digital fabrication facility and a 3D printing exhibition space.