Saudi Developer Builds 3D-Printed Homes

Saudi real estate company Dar Al Arkan has added 3D construction printing (3DCP) technology to its operations, with the aim of speeding up projects.

The new technology will cut construction time by more than half, compared to traditional home-building methods, the company claimed. It will also require less manpower to build a house, reducing the potential for injury to site workers, the company said in a statement on Sunday.

Less concrete will be used as well, the Saudi builder said, making projects more sustainable, as well as low-carbon.

“The introduction of 3D construction printing will revolutionize our approach to construction and enable us to focus on greater flexibility of design, strengthen productivity and achieve higher cost efficiency,” Ziad El Chaar, Dar Al Arkan’s vice chairman said.

Other benefits of the technology are accuracy in construction, reduction of electricity bills, and overall efficiency in project management.

The new technology was launched in collaboration with the Construction of Buildings on Demand (COBOD), which specializes in innovations in the construction industry.

“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia represents the largest potential market in the Middle East for our disruptive 3D construction technology and many large end customers in the Kingdom have been eagerly awaiting,” Henrik Lund-Nielsen, its founder, said.

The 3DCP technology launched is capable of printing three-story large scale residential units.