World's First 3D Printed Building Is Here And It's A Marvel

In April, Dubai announced its plan to have more than 25 percent of its construction 3D printed by 2030. Looks like the work will be completed sooner as the world’s first fully functional 3D printed office building was opened two days ago.

Built in 17 days and arranged in two, the building located in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is a sight in white. Occupying a 2700 square feet space, it has electricity, water, telecom services and air conditioning besides working staff. It serves as the temporary headquarters for Dubai Future Foundation and costs $140,000.

Besides saving time, the building also cut labour cost by half. Only one man was needed to monitor the printing and 17 people to assemble it. In an interview at the site launch, the United Arab Emirates Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Mohammed Al Gergawi, said that the technique could cut building time by 50-70 percent and labour costs by 50-80 percent.

A 3D printer measuring 20 feet high, 120 feet long and 40 feet wide was used to print the building along with a robotic arm to enable the process. A mix of cement and building material from US and UAE was used as raw material after testing in UK and China. An arc shape was given to the building to ensure safety and stability of the structure along with well-thought window shades that keep the building cooler and reduce energy consumption.