3D printed houses are soon to be a reality, as global real estate developer Emaar Properties has announced plans to build its first 3D printed home in Dubai.
The project underlines Emaar’s commitment to adopting innovative construction methods, and the company says it will be built in partnership with an international 3D printing technology company and a UAE contractor.
“As the pioneer of integrated communities in Dubai and the trend-setter in the region’s property sector, our plans to embrace 3D printing of homes is an integral part of our digital-first and customer-first strategy,” said Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman of Emaar Properties.
“Through this, we are not only positioning ourselves as an early adopter of advanced technology but also creating long-term value for our customers as 3D printing brings numerous advantages such as reduced cost of construction, more efficient use of materials and higher levels of sustainability.
Emaar aims to set the region’s benchmark in construction best practices as 3D printed homes bring several benefits including accelerated delivery of homes and more flexibility in design.
The company said that 3D printing is environment-friendly, with sustainable home construction techniques significantly lowering waste and noise pollution during wall construction.
It added that 3D printed homes will contribute to “lower cooling costs as customers can choose the thickness and type of insulation that goes into the walls; the thicker the insulation used, the lower the cooling costs”.
Some of Emaar’s diverse portfolio of master-planned projects include communities such as Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, Dubai Hills, Emaar Beachfront and Arabian Ranches III.
Arabian Ranches III, launched in 2018, will have a central park, a 4km-long boulevard, a lazy river and a range of sports facilities.
“With 3D printing technology, to be implemented locally using international expertise, we are also supporting the vision of the leadership to build ‘Smart and Sustainable Cities’ that are tech-driven and meet the aspirations of the new generation of customers. It will also help accelerate the innovation ecosystem in Dubai, inspiring start-ups to contribute towards advanced construction technology,” added Alabbar.
With the 3D project at Arabian Ranches 3, Emaar’s goal is to create a real estate landscape in the future where customers can ‘design, download and print’ their homes in the future.