Dubai to house world's first 3D printed skyscraper

Cazza Constructions, a start-up construction company based in Dubai, has revealed its ambitious plans to take 3D printing to the skies.

The firm struck a deal with the Dubai Government last year to push 3D printing in construction into the mainstream and has since developed a method to effectively 3D print skyscrapers.

The method, dubbed 'crane printing', will see the major structural components of the skyscraper 3D printed with the help of cranes with added units that allow for 3D printing at heights of 80 metres and above.

This method allows the use of existing crane infrastructure without the need to create cranes from scratch, saving both time and labour costs.

According to Cazza’s mechanical engineer, Xavier Hernand, there are "vast possibilities" in terms of materials going far beyond traditional concrete and steel.

With 3D printing set to become more affordable, more construction companies are expected to take up the technology. In fact, according to the Smart Buildability Index, Dubai plans to have 25 per cent of buildings 3D printed by 2030.

Details on the height and project commencement date of the planned 3D skyscraper are yet to be revealed.

Closer to home, 3D printing technology is already available for the construction of low rise buildings and homes, as demonstrated by the Hadrian X robot by Fastbrick Robotics.

Dubai is no stranger when it comes to construction wonders and advancements. In addition to being the home of the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, Dubai is also set to house the world's first climate-controlled indoor city - the 'Mall of the World', which will accommodate a large shopping centre and over 100 hotels under a glass dome.

As far as the city is concerned, the future is now.