World’s First 3D-Printed Office Building Opens In Dubai

Dubai – a non-stranger to record-breaking, has unveiled the first ever fully-functional 3D-printed office building. Aptly dubbed “Office of the Future,” the building which is located in the heart of Emirates Towers, took just 17 days to print and two days to install on site.

The building was constructed using a special mixture of cement as well as building materials from both the United Arab Emirates and the United States, with all of the construction materials having undergone reliability testing in China and the United Kingdom.

The Office of the Future isn’t just for look either, as it comes complete with electricity, water, telecommunications and air conditioning right through its 250 square meters.

The building will act as a temporary office to the Dubai Future Foundation – an independent body with the aim of researching future technologies in the UAE established in April this year by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

The 3D printer used to print the parts for the building measures 20 feet high, 120 feet long and 40 feet wide, with the whole process requiring just one person to monitor the printer functions, seven people to install the building components on site, and 10 electricians and specialists to oversee the engineering. Due to this, labor costs were cut by more than 50 per cent compared to buildings of a similar size.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said at the opening: “We announce today the opening of the first 3D-printed office in the world, after less than a month of launching Dubai’s 3D printing strategy which showcases a modern model of construction.”

“This is an experience we present to the world on implementing future technology in our lives, and it represents a new milestone for the UAE as a global leader in strategic achievements.”

He continued: “We implement what we plan, and we pursue actions, not theories. The rapidly changing world requires us to accelerate our pace of development, for history does not recognize our plans but our achievements.”