Dubai Municipality issues first license to construct 3D printed residential villa

According to Gulf News, the Dubai Municipality has officially announced the issuance of the first construction license for a privately-owned villa utilizing 3D printing technology. The villa, to be situated in the Al Awir 1 sector of Dubai, will be fabricated in one continuous printing process, as per the municipality.

“The four-meter-high structure will be printed in a single session, and the villa construction work that started recently will be part of an unprecedented global project. The villa is expected to be completed by October 2023 and will be built entirely from locally sourced concrete,” the municipality reported.

This project corresponds with Dubai’s progressive aspirations and promotes the objectives of the Dubai 3D Printing Strategy 2030, which aims to elevate the percentage of 3D printed buildings in the Emirate with a goal of achieving a minimum rate of 25% by 2030.

“Dubai Municipality has issued the emirate’s first construction license for a private residence built with 3D printing technology. This project aims to encourage contractors, engineers, investors, and real estate developers to adopt and use technology in their building operations,” said Mariam Al Muhairi, the acting CEO of the Buildings Regulation and Permits Agency at Dubai Municipality.

As we know, the implementation of 3D printed construction presents several economic and environmental benefits, including reduced construction costs, streamlined construction timeframes due to a shortened supply chain, the ability to construct complex architectural designs, utilization of sustainable and recycled materials, and reduced waste from construction projects. With fewer personnel needed on-site, 3D printing technology offers a more efficient and accurate alternative to traditional construction methods.

Last year, Dubai Municipality launched a variety of technical activities specialized in 3D printing technology, including construction engineering consultancy activity, construction contracting activity, and manufacturing concrete for construction.

In May 2016, Dubai opened the first 3D printed fully functional office in the world – the Office of the Future. His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai inaugurated the unique building in the premises of the Emirates Towers. Officially recognised as a Guinness World Record title holder for the world’s first 3D printed commercial building, it houses the office of the Dubai Future Foundation.