The coastal city of Jeddah in Saudi Arabia is now home to the world’s first mosque constructed via 3D printing technology, officially named the Abdul Aziz Abdullah Sharbatly Mosque. Spanning 5,600 square meters, the structure’s creation was led by Saudi entrepreneur Wajnat Mohammed Abdul Wahid as a tribute to her late spouse.
Conceived as an effort to pioneer modern construction technology in Saudi Arabia, the mosque’s construction spanned around six months, employing four advanced printers from Chinese manufacturer Guanli.
This groundbreaking project is part of a broader narrative of embracing 3D printing for construction within Saudi Arabia. Prior to the mosque’s creation, the country witnessed the construction of its first 3D-printed concrete industrial structure in Mecca’s Taif Governorate, followed by the first 3D-printed residential building in Riyadh.
The adoption of 3D printing for building homes is escalating, with this approach promising environmentally conscious and cost-effective alternatives to traditional construction. By utilizing materials like concrete, plastic, and clay, the technology has the potential to expedite building processes and reduce expenses significantly.
Experts suggest that 3D-printed homes could cost up to 30% less than those built using conventional methods. Beyond cost savings, this method offers the flexibility of bespoke home designs and aligns with sustainability goals.
However, the high price of 3D printing apparatus and the ongoing development of construction materials pose challenges to the widespread adoption of this technology. Concerns regarding the safety and endurance of such materials also persist within the industry.