ECC contracted for 3D printed two-story structure established in Dubai
The Dubai Municipality has unveiled a 640sqm 3D printed building project spanning 9.5m high in Al Warsan, recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s largest 3D printed two-story structure.
In collaboration with the Engineering Contracting Company (ECC), the main contractor of this project, the building is said to represent an efficient development in line with the Dubai Future Foundation vision to become the leading hub of the additive manufacturing by 2030.
“This project is a major turning point in the construction sector at the local and regional levels,” said Dawoud Al Hajri, Director-General of the Dubai Municipality.
“[It] is based on the strategy of innovation in 3D printing technologies in construction, which in turn will increase the pace and speed of execution and completion of buildings in record time, and reduce construction costs, and contribute to the development of solutions to the demographics challenges by reducing the number of construction labour.”
The exterior of the 3D printed two story building in Al Warsan, Dubai. Photo via ECC.
Construction 3D printing in the UAE
Established in 1954, the Dubai Municipality is regarded as one of the largest governmental institutions in terms of services rendered and projects executed. It is involved in various planning, medical and environmental activities across the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Forwarding the Dubai Future Foundation’s 3D Printing Strategy, it previous partnered the Dubai Health Authority, which announced plans to market 3D printed teeth in 2017.
As stated by the foundation,“The Dubai 3D Printing Strategy aims to reduce labour by 70%, reduce cost by 90%, and reduce time by 80% in the different sectors,” making the city, and the UAE, a world leader in the technology.
Immensa Technology Labs, a company dedicated to the advancement of 3D printing throughout the UAE has also aligned with this strategy. Last year, it filed a patent for an additive manufacturing method that makes patterns for molding building materials, such as concrete.
The interior of the 3D printed two-story building in Al Warsan, Dubai. Photo via ECC.
Green, efficient, additive manufacturing
The ECC, a quality service-oriented civil engineering & construction company in the UAE and its subcontractors Abanos Interior Fit-out and Joinery, Prime Metal Industries (PMI) and Prime Ready Mix (PRM) developed the 3D printed building structure. According to the ECC, locally sourced materials were utilized with one additive manufacturing machine.
The building features 3D printed concrete walls which improve thermal insulation and reduces energy consumption. ECC Group’s associated companies were also appointed as subcontractors for the supply and installation of wooden doors, glass, aluminum panels, and manufacturing of special concrete respectively.
“Challenging projects are a cornerstone of ECC and what we are truly known for in the construction market,” explained Karim Farah, CEO of ECC. “We pride ourselves on innovative, never-been-done projects and executing them to the best of our ability. The team working on the project have outdone themselves and we are exceptionally proud of each one of them.”
ECC and Dubai Municipality officials outside of the 3D printed two-story building in Al Warsan, Dubai. Photo via ECC.
