GUtech Oman 3D prints three new buildings in just 8 days

GUtech, a German University of Technology, Oman, and a pioneer of construction 3D printers, printed 3D models of three new buildings in Duqm. This is 540 km from Oman’s capital. It took only 8 days to complete the construction, which is a record for on-location 3D printing.

Dr. Yousuf Al Bulushi, GUtech said: “GUtech has introduced the 3D concrete printing in the sultanate of Oman and shows how we could adopt the newest construction technology and employ it so we can get the most out of it. We have demonstrated the potential of 3D printing with the Duqm record-setting printing. We have a huge faith in our Omani expert team, and we are aiming to achieve beyond expected”

The world’s first 3D printed building was a 3D printed commercial coffeeshop with an area of 81 m2 (871 Sq Ft). The entire printing process took 22 hours. The GU Tech Team managed to complete the construction in just three days. Eight hours of work were allocated each day. Construction measures 3,7m (12 ft) in height. Materials consumption totaled 19,6 m3 of concrete made from 99% locally available raw materials and COBOD’s Dfab solution was developed in cooperation with Cemex.

A public toilet of total 20m2 (or 215 SF) is the second new building. The printing process took 13 hours and was split into two days. The building’s total height is 3,5m (11ft). 10.6 m3 concrete was used for the construction.

The last 3D printed building is a Fisherman’s house with an area of 72 m2 (775 SF). GUtech specialists took just 19 hours to print the building. The printing was split into two days. This house has a single story and measures 3m (10ft) tall. It required 17,3 m3 concrete to complete the construction.

Teejan was the general contractor responsible for all 3D-printed buildings. The 3D printing of the buildings was done using locally available materials and the Dfab solution from CEMEX and COBOD, which allows you to 3D print concrete at a very affordable cost with 99% locally sourced material. Concrete for all three buildings cost just 3,600 dollars. All buildings are load bearing walls without columns, roof slabs or parapets 3D printed.

Duqm is a development area similar to NEOM Saudi Arabia. It is made up of several economic, tourist and development zones.

Duqm’s authorities approved the 3D-printed construction method and issued permits for 3D-printed buildings. Zaid Marmash, head architect and responsible for the Middle East at COBOD said: “I am proud to have co-designed the buildings 3D printed by GUtech and approved in Duqm. The buildings are futuristic and aspirational, and the curves and unusual shapes match Duqm’s vision. 3D concrete printing, as well as Duqm, are both very promising, and GUtech is providing the proof that the promises are being realized.”