The sustainability advantages of 3D printing in construction are becoming increasingly apparent as new additive manufacturing methods and materials are developed for the construction industry. In fact, the technology is already being used to build homes, schools, parks and other commercial buildings, and 3D-printed buildings are a more environmentally friendly way to build them.

3D printing has infiltrated our streets and alleys with its magic of "transforming decay into magic". It can create a variety of food for us, but also can build a flickering house.

The 3D-printed UAE pavilion at the 2022 Flower Expo. The photo is by Aectual.

Dutch sustainable architecture firm Aectual teamed up with UAe-based architecture studio Pragma to create a 3D-printed, recyclable pavilion for the Netherlands' Floriade Expo 2022.

Covering 8,880 square feet, the pavilion's exterior and surrounding walls are 3D printed and can be recycled and reprinted after use. Also printed on the walls are Claustra designs, which are typical of buildings in UAE cities. The pavilion will be on display at Floriade Expo 2022 until October.

"Using 3D printing to create the Claustra walls around the site gives visitors an immersive experience of the UAE landscape culture. We hope to take advantage of the unique advantages of 3D printing so that 3D printing can also be used as a construction method and promote the development of the building process in a more circular way to build the buildings and cities of the future. Working with the AECTUAL team and using recycled 3D printing enables us to achieve a modern aesthetic that combines tradition with innovation in a sustainable production approach.

Ahmed Khadier, co-founder and head of Pragma

The 3D printed UAE Pavilion

Aectual and Pragma point out that the joint UAE pavilion is one of the largest to feature 3D-printed facades and walls, and stands out among the other buildings because it is fully recyclable and reprintable. Pragma designed the 8,880-square-foot pavilion, which is surrounded by 3D-printed Claustra walls. Claustra walls allow air to flow through as natural ventilation while ensuring privacy. The company turned to Aectual to design the 3D-printed effects for the pavilion's traditional walls.

Aectual developed intricate, triangular, 3D-printed blocks that fit together 'like a giant jigsaw puzzle' to create a translucent wall that houses the courtyard and building. The building itself is covered with Aectual's 3D-printed weaved panels, which are green, lightweight and flexible, 3D-printed on plant-based plastic to give it a woven appearance. Pragma and Aectual point out that 3D printing, with all panels designed in Dubai and manufactured locally in Amsterdam, is a highly environmentally friendly technology. As a result, transportation of building products is greatly reduced, and Aectual's 3D-printing technology means zero waste during manufacturing.