Dubai, already home to some of the world’s most ambitious architectural marvels, has set yet another milestone.
Proto21 3D Printing LLC and Myata Platinum Restaurant Co. LLC have officially achieved the Guinness World Records™ title for the largest 3D printed structure (volume).
The record-breaking masterpiece, measuring an astonishing 13.75 cubic metres (485 cubic feet), was completed in Dubai on 25 February 2025.
The achievement is more than just a record; it marks a turning point in how 3D printing is redefining architecture. The enormous printed structure, seamlessly integrated into Myata Restaurant, offers an immersive interior that challenges traditional notions of luxury design. Featuring an intricate entrance, a cave-like passage, and towering facades, this architectural feat highlights the limitless potential of additive manufacturing.
Engineering marvel
At the core of this record-breaking creation is a staircase facade that soars to 8.6 metres, with the entire structure stretching 15.73 metres in length and 6.78 metres in width. The design was achieved through an advanced 3D printing process at Proto21’s facility, where 150 Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) machines worked in sync to bring the vision to life.
“This world record is not only a milestone in Proto21’s growth but also an important step forward for 3D printing technology,” said Arkam, CEO of Proto21. The company’s 3D printing farm operates a sophisticated system that allows multiple printers to function simultaneously, ensuring high efficiency, minimal downtime, and optimal material usage.
Proto21’s role in the project spanned the entire production cycle—from 3D design and structural calculations to assembly, painting, and final installation. The sheer scale of the operation was unprecedented:
- 1,190 square metres of 3D printed area
- 38 cubic metres of printed volume
- 21,700+ individual 3D printed parts
- 158 printers working simultaneously
- 10.2 tons of printed material used
- 160,000+ hours of printing time
Given the complexity of the design, nearly 92% of the printed components were unique. “This wasn’t just a matter of repeating the same shapes. Almost every part was different, making it impossible to use traditional manufacturing techniques,” explained Proto21’s founder, Pir Arkam.
A new take on luxury
The Myata Restaurant features 23 massive 3D printed elements, one of which holds the Guinness World Record title. From facades and VIP rooms to bar counters and planters, each piece is coated with sand-textured finishes to mimic natural rock formations. The interior is inspired by the fluid topography of sand canyons, creating an atmosphere that blends cutting-edge technology with organic aesthetics.
The designers at Proto21 used Blender to manually sculpt intricate, non-repetitive sedimentary patterns into the printed surfaces. “Nature has always been the best architect,” Arkam noted. “Rivers carve valleys, winds sculpt mountains—we brought that concept indoors.”
Inside Myata, warm amber lighting enhances the undulating canyon-like structures. Soft glows highlight the bar counters, seating areas, and even the rising clouds of steam from hookahs. The entrance itself is designed to intrigue visitors: a narrowing passage leads into a dimly lit space, unfolding into a grand, cave-like lounge—an approach that emphasises mystery over conventional transparency.
Scaling the impossible
Executing a project of this scale came with logistical hurdles. Proto21 ran into supply shortages as demand for 3D printing materials skyrocketed. “We underestimated the time and scale of the project,” Arkam admitted. “At one point, we had to buy out every available stock of materials and machines in the UAE to keep up.”
To complete the job, the company deployed an array of 3D printing technologies, including:
- FDM, SLA, and Large-format Additive Manufacturing (LfAM)
- Caracol Heron LfAM 3D printing robotic arm
A fleet of industrial SLA machines
The robotic arm played a crucial role, allowing multi-axis printing without the need for excessive support structures. This technology enables faster production of large-scale, amorphic designs—ideal for Myata’s canyon-inspired interiors.
Dubai’s vision for 3D printing
Dubai has long been at the forefront of technological innovation, and this project aligns perfectly with the emirate’s 3D Printing Strategy 2030, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The initiative aims to position Dubai as a global leader in 3D printing, with applications spanning construction, healthcare, and consumer products.
By using additive manufacturing, the Myata project significantly reduces waste, optimises resource consumption, and cuts emissions linked to traditional construction. This aligns with the UAE’s broader sustainability goals, including its target to eliminate 8.8 million tons of carbon emissions by 2030.
The future of 3D printed architecture
The Myata project is just the beginning. With the ability to print custom-designed, large-scale structures at record speeds, 3D printing is set to revolutionise urban development. It offers a potential solution for global challenges, from affordable housing to disaster relief.
“This project proves that 3D printing is no longer just experimental—it’s a scalable, game-changing solution for commercial architecture,” Arkam stated. As the technology evolves, the possibilities are endless. Dubai, once again, has set the benchmark for what’s possible in the future of construction.