MEAN* (Middle East Architecture Network) has revealed design for the 3D-printed Majlis House made from smooth 3D-printed concrete walls in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Conceived as modular house, the Emirati Majlis has been proposed as a place of gathering and socializing in response to today's question on "how can we reimagine a house in light of today’s lifestyle and technology?."

The Majlis House is proposed as "a predominant spatial typology" in Gulf residences. Aimed at building typically as an annex to the house, it is a space of social gathering and interaction typically used to receive guests and is designed to be detached from the private quarters of the family in Emirati homes.

The house is made of the using of concrete 3D printing technologies. Proposing new modular strategies, the house can be envisioned in-line with the challenges and potentials of these technologies to allow for faster, more spatially fluid inhabitations at an ecological and affordable rate. 

MEAN* reimagines the spatial qualities of this typology with 3 options for the space depending on the requirements and lifestyle of its inhabitants: Capsule Pod, Fluid Space and Folded Walls.

Capsule Pod

As MEAN* explains, for this option, the team designed a method of construction that relies on hoist-in-place precast methods for constructing concrete parts. 

"The parts are 3D Printed concrete flat on the ground on-site and lifted to place to be assembled to make up the cylindrical volume of the space," said the architects. 

"The concrete ‘ rings’ have spaces in between to allow natural light to come in from 3 sides. The space inside is composed of these structural members, which allow for a vast and column-free interior."

Fluid Space

The second key design principle is to provide a fluid space. For this option, the architects use the advantages of concrete 3D printing methods bring forth. 

The spatial enclosure is organic and unique, with practical interior gestures such as the recessed seating area and the roof skylight," the team added. 

"The space is 3D printed in 2 parts: 1 part for the enclosing walls which serve as a shell structure containing all the programmatic functions needed by the majlis annex, and the other part to construct the roof, which is a radical use of 3D Printing technology."

Folded Walls

The third principle is to explore the idea of walls folding into each other to compose the space. Each wall is made of 3D printed in concrete on-site in a trapezoidal shape to allow more floor area while achieving a dynamic exterior form. 

"The main wall is printed in a typical smooth finish, while the second wall is printed with undulations to create a textured design feature that celebrates the construction technology," MEAN* continued. 

"The walls meet at gaps that are glazed to allow natural light into the space and to provide space the doors."

Each annex is fitted with a foyer, a washroom, a small kitchenette, and living areas. With each option, the possibility of having the annex attached or detached from the house has also been examined. 

Careful consideration had been given to the architectural language of each option to fit into the social lifestyle of contemporary Emiratis as well as the local architecture of the UAE. 

Floor plan - level 1

According to the architects, "the three options of the 3D Printed Majlis propose the use of 3D printing for the construction of a novel annex to the contemporary home." 

As a design exercise, the team at MEAN* explored pushing the boundaries of 3D printing in concrete, while envisioning new spatial narratives for the typology of the Majlis.

Floor plan - level 2

Floor plan - level 3

Section 

Elevation

MEAN* (Middle East Architecture Network), founded by architect, entrepreneur and researcher Riyad Joucka, is an innovative architecture practice that works at the nexus of design and emergent technologies.

MEAN* utilizes cutting edge computational design processes and digital fabrication tools to leverage the quality of architectural solutions. Computer Programming, Robotics, 3D Printing, AR, VR, and CNC manufacturing are some of the technologies we use to leverage our work.

MEAN* previously designed a retreat with sculptural limestone façade in Jebel Jais, the highest peak of the United Arab Emirates.

Project facts

Project Name: 3D Printed Majlis

Architecture Firm: MEAN* Middle East Architecture Network 

Project Team: Riyad Joucka, Wael Nasrallah

Project Location: Abu Dhabi - UAE

Built Area: 137 to 240 SQM

Visualization: MEAN*

Tools Used: Rhino, Grasshopper, 3ds Max+Corona

Principal Architect: Riyad Joucka

Design Team: Wael Nasrallah

Design Year: 2021

Status: Schematic Design

Typology: Residential

Track: Creep Up

By: Sandhill @sandhillmusic

All images © MEAN* 

All drawings © MEAN* 

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