Dubai to get world’s first 3D-printed skyscraper

The UAE may soon get its very own 3D-printed skyscraper – the world's first at that. Yes, you read that right. This isn't a science fiction movie.

Dubai-based construction technologies start-up Cazza has announced this ambitious plan to further galvanise the emirate's construction industry with its 3D-printing construction technologies and services.

“When we first thought of implementing 3D printing technologies, we were mostly thinking of houses and low-rise buildings. Developers kept asking us if it was possible to build a 3D printed skyscraper. This led us to begin researching how we could adapt the technologies for taller structures,” Cazza CEO Chris Kelsey told Khaleej Times.
“Through our technologies, we will be able to build architecturally complex buildings at never-before seen speeds. It is all about economies of scale where the initial high technology costs will reduce as we enter the mass-production phase. The material side leaves limitless possibilities with concrete and steel being just one of many materials that can be used with 3D printing,” Xavier Hernand, one of Cazza’s mechanical engineers, told Khaleej Times.
Late last year, the Dubai government announced its 3D Printing Strategy, which aims to see 25 per cent of buildings in the city constructed using 3D printing technology by 2030. The UAE is already home to the world's first functional 3D printed office building.

Eng Munira Abdul Kareem, manager of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development’s Project Execution Department, had then announced that the department was geared up to adopt 3D printing technologies in the future.

“All the buildings to be built in the future by the ministry across the UAE will be 3D-printed in line with the national agenda of the country and the UAE 2021 vision,” she had said.

The ministry said it would organise over 20 workshops and launch other initiatives to support the country's infrastructure development and boost sustainable development here, she had said.

“Using 3D printing technology will cut construction costs by 80 per cent, and save up to 70 per cent of the time needed, and 50 per cent of manpower required.”

As of now, there are no details about which developer has commissioned Cazza to design the skyscraper or how tall the building would be.