3D technologies have not only affected the digital space, but also the architecture industry . Thanks to the advent of the 3D building model, the design and visualization of buildings has reached a new level: now they can be created in a matter of hours or days. These 3D-printings can easily be presented to the customer or simply used to apply the most accurate measurements during construction.

It’s not only modelling that is used in architecture. Modern builders have also adopted the latest developments in the field of 3D printing. Now, with the help of special building printers, both individual building structures and complete buildings are recreated. This is convenient and profitable, because of the speed of printing, its quality and the ability to save on labour. The purchase of building materials make it possible to reduce the cost of the project and even cut down implementation and building times.

At the same time, 3D printing technologies for houses are developing in several directions:

• Printing of individual elements - for example, blocks for the construction of buildings are used so that companies can produce materials for construction.

• Cheap house printing has become a trend that will eventually saturate the real estate market with inexpensive houses for those in need of affordable housing.

• Printing exclusive buildings - this is an art that is amazing and today, allows you to create a true architectural masterpiece in a matter of days.

The last direction includes the largest building in the world, made using a 3D printer. It is now located in Dubai. A two-story office, for one of the state institutions, was able to print in 21 days. The height of the building reaches 9.5 meters and the total area is approximately 6400 m2.

The project was implemented by Apis Cor, a company that develops 3D printing equipment in the construction industry. The startup was founded in Irkutsk, Russia in 2016 by the young entrepreneur Nikita Chen-Yun-Tai but recently the company’s headquarters moved to Boston.

Working under the motto “We print buildings”, Apis Cor has taken a leading position in the world of 3D-printed architecture. From a tiny house in Moscow to affordable housing in California and Louisiana, its modern technology has been used for various types of projects. Although the company is used to building in different parts of the world, the harsh climatic conditions of Dubai, with sharp changes in day and night temperatures and humidity, tested the standard methods of 3D printing of buildings. In particular, the builders had to select materials for this particular building that withstand extremely high and low temperatures.

To sustain the harsh conditions, the walls were made using layer-by-layer printing; all of this work was done by one printer. The concrete structure was reinforced with iron reinforcement. The building’s foundation, insulation, roofing and windows were made and installed in the traditional way. Only 15 workers were involved at the site - half of what is usually required for the construction of similar facilities.

Working on such a large project posed additional challenges for builders. The construction site occupied about 650 square meters, which under normal construction conditions would require the assembly of a sufficiently large amount of scaffolding. But since the 3D printer is mobile and compact (about the side of a car), the building was built on site and more efficiently than would be using traditional methods.

Today, Dubai is a world leader in 3D construction printing. By order of the authorities, from 2019 all the buildings should at least 2% consist of printed elements. By 2025, a quarter of all structures will be built using 3D printing technology.

What’s Next of Apis Cor?

The manufacturing company of the largest building - Apis Cor - is moving on to a new project, this time from a different direction in 3D printing. According to the creator, they will be focusing on building affordable housing within the United States.

Author’s Bio: Volodymir Borovkov is a member of the Hum3D Team. He found his gift in 3D modelling starting with Formula 1 car models he adored.