Dubai introduces rapid 3D-printed villa construction, promising villas in 2 weeks
A gatehouse, constructed using 3D-printing technology, has been erected at the entrance of a residential community in Dubai.
The purpose of this gatehouse, serving as the control center for Nakheel’s Tilal Al Furjan residential complex, is to become a recognizable landmark and familiarize the public with 3D-printed buildings, according to Nakheel.
With their expertise in 3D printing technology for building, the Dubai-based business Printstone3D offered valuable insights into the project. The gatehouse conceals utility meters and CCTV cameras behind a canopy that is three times larger than the structure itself. It also functions as a communications center. Despite its small stature, the building manages to house more than 90 pipes and cables of diverse diameters and functionality.
Nikolay Kudryashov, CEO of Printstone3D, discussed the company's focus on one- to two-story residential buildings and outlined the timeline for printing different types of structures. He mentioned that while a 120-square-meter villa or house could be printed in about two weeks, larger structures like a one-story villa or a G+1 villa might take up to a month or three months, respectively.
The gatehouse project was completed in just 20 days with a small crew consisting of a printer operator, a mixing machine operator, and a labor assistant. Kudryashov highlighted the cost-effectiveness and eco-friendliness of 3D printing technology, as it requires fewer personnel compared to traditional construction methods.
Moreover, 3D construction printing technology allows for the printing of various vertical structures, including walls and fences, as well as interior elements such as kitchen islands. Dubai has ambitious plans to have 25% of its buildings constructed using 3D printing technology by 2030, with the first license for such construction issued by the Planning and Development Department, Trakhees.
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, chairman of the PCFC, emphasized the efficiency of 3D printing, noting its significant reduction in labor costs and construction duration compared to traditional methods.
