Saudi businesswoman builds world’s first 3D-printed mosque

A record-breaking 3D-printed mosque has been completed in Saudi Arabia. The innovation, in the Al-Jawara neighbourhood of Jeddah, has pipped Dubai to the post to become the world’s first mosque to be constructed using the new technology. 

5,600 square metres and distinctive minarets

The Abdulaziz Abdullah Sharbatly Mosque was created in tribute to its namesake, the late husband of businesswoman Wajnat Abdulwaheed. Manufactured by Chinese tech firm Guanli, the project covers 5,600 square meters (60,000 square feet) and has distinctive minarets to make the mosque a recognisable landmark in the district. An open outdoor area complements the interior, providing extra space for worshippers during busy prayer times.

Speaking to Arab News, Abdulwaheed said the design concept was driven by “fostering a sense of tranquility among worshippers through the principle of gracious hospitality.” To achieve this “attention was paid to the building’s mass and its relationship with natural light, the design of entrances and gates, and the exterior facades to reflect the architectural identity.”

The project also had to tread a careful line between priorities, Abdulwaheed noted, with a range of general conditions to be met, including putting the values of the King Salman Urban Charter at the forefront. According to Dr Sumayah Al Solaiman, CEO of The Saudi Architecture and Design Commission “these embrace: authenticity, connection to place, function, environmental factors, innovation and sustainability”.

3D-printing: a housing solution? 

While Dubai, which is trying to position itself as the 3D-print capital of the world, had planned a 3D-printed mosque for 2025, the Saudi project was ready and shown off to government officials and the businesspeople recently at a sector event . The endeavour had the support of the Saudi National Housing Co. whose remit is to increase home ownership rates in Saudi Arabia from by almost 10% before 2030. The implication that 3D-printing might help the Kingdom meet demand for housing is clear. 

3D-printed buildings, once hailed as a solution to emergency housing needs in remote areas, are now entering more mainstream design, as different use cases have been proven for them around the world, including an entire housing development in the USA. The technique allows far more intricate designs far more cheaply than traditional building methods. 

While much 3D-printing relies on plastics and polymers, it is also seen as a green building method, as these source materials can be recycled and the technique itself reduces waste by allowing complex forms to be created while minimising materials.