Killa Design leads the way for future emerging technologies with Office of the Future Killa Design (along with Gensler) has developed the world’s first fully functional and permanently occupied 3D printed building in Dubai, UAE. The Office of the Future building is currently the temporary home for the Dubai Future Foundation as well as an exhibition space and incubator for future emerging technologies in the region. The entire structure was printed in concrete using an additive manufacturing technique. It is truly the first fully occupied building in the world to be constructed using such techniques.
We made use of a structural bay developed by Gensler in association with Thornton Tomasetti tocreate the office complex comprising a gallery space, reception, public and private meeting space. As part of our wider initiative to be involved in the most cutting edge and innovative projects,we made use of a super insulated cladding system constructed using computer controlled manufacturing techniques to create the unique form of the building.
Unique in its design and modularity, the office has been hailed as ‘a ground breaking example of computer controlled fabrication in building construction.
Ben Piper, partner at Killa Design and the architect behind the masterplan and cladding design says: ‘The progressive design of the office conveys a shift from the traditional form of work environments thus paving the way for stimulating innovation and communication within teams.”
The structure of the building was manufacturing using an additive concrete ‘printing’ technique using a 3D printer 20 feet high, 120 feet long and 40 feet wide. The cladding was fabricated using insulated panels custom cut to form the complex geometry of the façade.
The Office of the Future is being hailed as a first major initiative and a precursor to the Museum of the Future (also designed by Killa Design). It is hoped that such projects will create a place that will stimulate and pave the way for the future of technology, science and innovation in the region.
Killa Design has been shortlisted for the design of the Office of the Future/Future Foundation Pavilion, Dubai, UAE. The winners will be revealed at the World Architecture Festival 2016 which opens on 16 - 18 November at the Arena Berlin, Germany.
Future Foundation Pavilion This pavilion is the world’s first fully functional and permanently occupied ‘3D printed’ building. As an ‘Office of the Future’ the building acts as temporary home for the Dubai Future Foundation as well as an exhibition space and incubator for future emerging technologies in the Emirate of Dubai. The entire structure was ‘printed’ in concrete using an additive manufacturing technique. It is the first fully occupied building in the world to be constructed using such techniques.
Concrete Printing Process A large scale 3D-printer was used to print the building in layers of reinforced concrete. The printer features a computer controlled armature to implement printing process. Printing took 17 days and was installed on in 2 days. Subsequent work on the building services, interiors, and landscape took approximately 3 months.
The labour involved in the printing process included one technician to monitor the function of the printer, a team of seven people to install the building components on site, as well as a team of general contractors to install the mechanical and electrical systems. As a result, the labour cost was significantly reduced when compared to conventional buildings of similar size.
Other projects have tested various elements of 3D printing before, but the Future Foundation Pavilion is the first fully occupied building to be built at scale, with a full set of building services.
Improved Energy Efficiency The design of the building is intended to improve energy efficiency in the hot climate of the UAE, which commonly experiences temperatures that rise above 45°C (113°F) and makes use of 800mm thick insulating cladding. The project is oriented to maximize visibility and natural light, but to shade the inside through projecting overhangs above the windows, optimized to fully shade the glazing from direct sun. This approach minimizes direct solar heating and reduces the need for air conditioning and lighting. LED lighting, responsive building systems, reduced irrigation landscaping, and low energy air conditioning serve to further reduce the building’s energy footprint.
Fluid Spatial Design The Pavilion has been designed to facilitate a mix of creative interactions, quiet reflective work and serendipitous meetings. This approach supports the work of flexible teams and fluid partnerships. To achieve this, the Office radiates around a tree shaded cafe courtyard. It provides a partnership lounge & gallery for exhibitions, events and workshops, a flexible space for team brainstorming and design work and private meeting rooms for quiet work. A series of openings throughout the project bring natural daylight deep into the space while allowing occupants to remain connected to the outside environment.
Centre of Innovation The construction of the Pavilion is part of a larger strategy launched by the UAE, to become a major incubator of innovation and future technologies for the world. This agenda reflects Dubai’s commitment to develop breakthrough projects and initiatives with partners around the world that can help shape the 21st century for the better.
The Pavilion takes a step in this direction by utilizing the latest in emerging building production technology while still offering high quality, comfortable, well-lit and socially engaging space for its users.
