3D printing continues to make inroads in the built environment, with the announcement of what’s being billed as “the tallest 3D-printed building in the world.” Measuring 9.9-meters (approximately 32.5-ft) tall, the villa in Shams Al Riyadh, Saudi Arabia is the first three-story building in the Middle East and Asia to be made with additive manufacturing. Printed by Saudi Arabian real estate developer Dar Al Arkan using a COBOD International 3D-construction printer, the building cost less than 10,000 euro to construct. The project was executed using the D.fab concrete solution developed by Cemex and COBOD, and thus the project was made from 99% local materials with only 1% of material having been sourced from a central location. 3D Construction Printing Project Manager Wael Al Arkan said, “The introduction of 3D-construction printing enables us to focus on greater flexibility of design, strengthen productivity and achieve higher cost efficiency.”
The 130-sq meter (approximately 1,400-sq ft) first floor of the printed home includes multiple living areas, hallways and two toilets. The 140-sq meter (approximately 1,500-sq ft) second floor has one primary bedroom, two smaller bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room and a balcony, while the smaller top floor annex includes a maid’s quarters with a bathroom, a multipurpose hall and a laundry room. The project was constructed in 26 days.
To watch a video of the construction process, visit www.cobod.com.