Saudi Arabia is studying a proposal to employ 3D printing techniques in the construction of homes through a collaboration with a Chinese company.

This follows the visit of a delegation from China’s WinSun to Riyadh last month to discuss construction using 3D printing technology, the report in www.3ders.org said.

The Shanghai-based WinSun is a pioneer in 3D printing in construction, and it made headlines when it built ten 3D printed houses in less than 24 hours in 2014.

The delegation met officials from the Department of Housing and the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (Sagia). The Ministry of Housing also proposed that WinSun’s 3D technology be used in a programme to build 1.5 million housing units over the next five years, the report added.