Dubai-based Cazza Technologies, a leader in high-tech 3D printed homes and buildings, has confirmed it will create the world’s first 3D printed skyscraper.
CEO of Cazza, Chris Kelsey, told ConstructionWeeklyOnline: “When we first thought of implementing 3D printing technologies, we were mostly thinking of houses and low-rise buildings.
“Developers kept asking us if it was possible to build a 3D printed skyscraper. This led us to begin researching how we could adapt the technologies for taller structures.
“Through our technologies, we will be able to build architecturally complex buildings at never-before seen speeds.”
3D printing is a technology that can ‘print’ three-dimensional objects.
The firm will use a new construction technique called ‘crane printing’. The crane printing process includes all major structural components for high rise buildings, including reinforcement with steel rebar.
Specific parts of the building will be printed by cranes, while the rest of construction will be carried out using existing methods.
Fernando De Los Rios, chief operating officer at Cazza, said: “The crane printing system can be easily adopted with existing cranes which means we don’t have to build cranes from scratch.
“We are adding new features to make it adaptable to high wind speeds along with the use of our layer smoothing system that creates completely flat surfaces. You won’t know its 3D printed.”
The project highlights the technology’s potential. Although there are many firms using 3D printing in housing and construction, its potential for speed and cost efficiency could help see the technology being adopted by more construction companies and eventually become a mainstream component of building homes, offices and high rises.
“It is all about economies of scale where the initial high technology costs will reduce as we enter the mass-production phase,” added Kelsey.
Futurism’s June Javelosa said in a report on the development, “Once others see this potential for speed and cost efficiency, they will be more likely to adopt the tech themselves.”
