Rotterdam-based architecture studio Studio RAP has wrapped the entrance of a hotel with majestic 3D printed ceramic walls at the Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Two enormous ceramic walls were created by Studio RAP for the Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab's foyer, a brand-new luxury hotel in Dubai. 

The walls, which are positioned on either side of the entrance, define and frame the approach to the building, resulting in a serene yet expressive arrival moment.

The project, called Blue Voyage, is inspired by the Gulf nearby. Up close, the surface patterns show flowing lines and layered ridges that react to light and shadow throughout the day, while the curved forms evoke the movement of waves. 

The installation's sculptural quality and spatial clarity are improved by the use of large, specifically made corner tiles that smoothly wrap the pattern around the corners.

Each wall is nine meters long and six meters high. Around 900 distinct ceramic tiles were developed and 3D printed by Studio RAP in total; each tile was created parametrically and manufactured on-site at the studio's Rotterdam location. 

Throughout the entire process, this method allowed us complete control over shape, fit, and material quality.

One of the biggest architectural installations made of 3D-printed ceramic in the world is called Blue Voyage. 

It represents Studio RAP's continuous effort to combine computational design and craftsmanship, incorporating site-specific, expressive, and long-lasting features into modern architecture through sophisticated fabrication techniques.

Mock-up A. Image © Studio RAP

Concept diagram

Floor plan

Section + details

Front view A

Front view B

Studio RAP clad the two gates of the PoortMeesters residential building block with 3D dimensional blue porcelain in the historic Dutch city Delft, the Netherlands. In addition, the studio created a façade for a boutique, featuring a bespoke 3D-printed ceramic tiles and bricks on Amsterdam’s P.C. Hooftstraat, the Netherlands.

Studio RAP is an award-winning architectural design studio based in Rotterdam, pioneering the use of 3D-printed ceramics in contemporary architecture. By merging digital design, innovation, and craftsmanship, the studio creates expressive façades, spatial installations, and architectural elements that redefine how architecture can be made.

Project facts

Project name: Blue Voyage

Location: Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, Dubai (UAE)

Client: Dubai Holding Real Estate

Designer: Studio RAP

Completion date: 2025 

Architect (main building): Killa Design

3D Ceramic Printing: Studio RAP

Firing and Glazing: Royal Tichelaar

All images © Studio RAP / Riccardo De Vecchi unless otherwise stated. 

All drawings © Studio RAP.

> via Studio RAP

blue ceramic hotel interior Studio RAP