Robotic construction company builds world’s largest 3D-printed building

The 3D-printed building was a technological feat that only took one printer and three workers to complete

Spotted: Not only is Dubai home to the world’s tallest building, but it is also now home to the world’s largest 3D-printed building. The two-story office was built by Nasa-award-winning Robotics construction company, Apis Cor, for the Dubai Municipality. It measures at 9.5 metres high, across a floor area of 640 square metres.

Using only one machine, which was repositioned during the process with a crane, the building was printed entirely on-site. It was completed out in the open, proving that the technology could handle harsh environmental conditions, without humidity and temperature control. The robotic printer excreted a gypsum-based material, which was locally sourced and developed by the Apis Cor.

The building was printed on conventional foundations and was reinforced with concrete and rebar. Pre-cast slabs were also used for the floors, and conventional windows and roofs were added to the printed walls by a contractor.  

This year, Apis Cor has plans to continue using its 3D-printing machine to build affordable housing in Florida, Louisiana and California.

Springwise has spotted several other 3D-printing innovations in recent months, including 3D-printed seawalls being used to restore marine biodiversity in Australia and a proposed rebuilding of Notre Dame using debris from the fire and a specially calibrated 3D printer.