Dubai is planning its first 3D printed high-rise

The United Arab Emirates are already known for implementing the most innovative ideas in 3D printing, so the additive production of buildings is nothing new in Dubai. In May of last year, they unveiled the first 3D printed office building and now, in cooperation with the startup Cazza Construction Technologies, it has been announced the their 3D printed high-rise building is being planned.

This office was build in only 17 days

At the end of 2016, Dubai signed a partnership with Cazza as the United Arab Emirates is looking to produce a quarter of the buildings planned in their projects by the end of 2030, by means of 3D printing. For this latest project, Cazza wants to use a new technology called “Crane Printing”. This technology would allow the construction of buildings that are more than 80m in height (about 262 ft.).

“When we first thought about implementing 3D printing (in the construction industry), it was mostly houses and low buildings. Developers always asked us if it was possible to produce 3D printed skyscrapers. This has prompted us to carry out research on this technology for larger structures”.

How does this technology work?

Cazza Construction Technologies has so far only experienced building flat buildings. With the new Crane Printing Technology, they will be able to raise the bar (literally). The technology itself is based on the manufacturing of existing materials such as concrete and steel. The mobile robots for 3D printing are mounted on cranes, which will provide the lifting. According to Fernando De Los Rios, COO of Cazza, the system is compatible with all cranes and no special designs have to be made for this project. The process is to be as cost-efficient and environmentally friendly as possible, which is why they combine mobile robots for additive production and conventional construction methods.