{"status":"ok","message-type":"work","message-version":"1.0.0","message":{"indexed":{"date-parts":[[2026,3,31]],"date-time":"2026-03-31T06:03:03Z","timestamp":1774936983967,"version":"3.50.1"},"reference-count":68,"publisher":"MDPI AG","issue":"2","license":[{"start":{"date-parts":[[2026,1,14]],"date-time":"2026-01-14T00:00:00Z","timestamp":1768348800000},"content-version":"vor","delay-in-days":0,"URL":"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0\/"}],"content-domain":{"domain":[],"crossmark-restriction":false},"short-container-title":["Buildings"],"abstract":"<jats:p>This study presents a systematic literature review exploring the challenges and solutions for scaling 3D printing in affordable residential construction in Kuwait. This review explores the urgent need to alleviate housing shortages through faster, cost-effective, and sustainable building approaches, highlighting the potential of additive manufacturing. Guided by the PRISMA framework, this review synthesizes findings from 20 key sources selected from an initial pool of 141 studies. The analysis identifies major scalability challenges\u2014high material costs, limited supply chain readiness, complex regulatory frameworks, environmental constraints, and technical limitations\u2014and evaluates proposed solutions such as geopolymer concrete, advanced printing technologies, and policy reforms. While this study does not include empirical data, it offers a comprehensive synthesis of the existing literature to inform policymakers and industry leaders about the potential of 3D printing to address Kuwait\u2019s housing crisis.<\/jats:p>","DOI":"10.3390\/buildings16020343","type":"journal-article","created":{"date-parts":[[2026,1,14]],"date-time":"2026-01-14T09:03:10Z","timestamp":1768381390000},"page":"343","update-policy":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/mdpi_crossmark_policy","source":"Crossref","is-referenced-by-count":1,"title":["Challenges and Solutions for Scalability of Affordable Housing: A Literature Review on 3D Printed Construction in Kuwait"],"prefix":"10.3390","volume":"16","author":[{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0009-0009-5854-4530","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Fatemah Abdullateef","family":"Alawadi","sequence":"first","affiliation":[{"name":"The Belfast School of Architecture and the Built Environment, Ulster University, Belfast BT15 1ED, UK"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0002-2443-9697","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Martina","family":"Murphy","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"The Belfast School of Architecture and the Built Environment, Ulster University, Belfast BT15 1ED, UK"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0003-4188-0481","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Robert","family":"Eadie","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"The Belfast School of Architecture and the Built Environment, Ulster University, Belfast BT15 1ED, UK"}]}],"member":"1968","published-online":{"date-parts":[[2026,1,14]]},"reference":[{"key":"ref_1","unstructured":"Alghais, N., and Algharib, S. (2025, June 04). GIS-Based Spatial Analysis of Population Density in Kuwait, 1957 to 2020, DigitalCommons@Kennesaw State University. Available online: https:\/\/digitalcommons.kennesaw.edu\/thegeographicalbulletin\/vol63\/iss3\/5\/."},{"key":"ref_2","unstructured":"Markaz (2025, July 02). Housing Problem in Kuwait and the Way Forward. Available online: https:\/\/www.markaz.com\/getmedia\/e0441a6c-e01d-4b2b-b33f-83d1d43ebbbb\/Housing-Problem-in-Kuwait-and-The-Way-Forward-Eng_Final.pdf."},{"key":"ref_3","unstructured":"Macrotrends.net (2025, July 27). Kuwait Population Growth Rate 1950\u20132025. Available online: https:\/\/www.macrotrends.net\/global-metrics\/countries\/KWT\/kuwait\/population-growth-rate."},{"key":"ref_4","unstructured":"Kuwait Times (2025, July 27). Kuwait Population Hits 4.919 Million. Available online: https:\/\/kuwaittimes.com\/article\/17488\/kuwait\/other-news\/kuwait-population-hits-4919-million\/."},{"key":"ref_5","unstructured":"Kuwait Times (2025, August 08). Talal Finances, Education Behind Smaller Family Size in Kuwait. Available online: https:\/\/kuwaittimes.com\/finances-education-behind-smaller-family-size-in-kuwait\/."},{"key":"ref_6","unstructured":"HUD USER (2025, July 02). Defining Housing Affordability, Available online: https:\/\/www.huduser.gov\/archives\/portal\/pdredge\/pdr-edge-featd-article-081417.html."},{"key":"ref_7","unstructured":"SDG (2025, July 02). Bulletins and Reports: The Second Voluntary National Review Report 2023. Available online: https:\/\/www.undp.org\/kuwait\/publications\/state-kuwait-second-voluntary-national-review-report-sdgs-vnr2-2023."},{"key":"ref_8","unstructured":"Kuwait Finance House (2024). KFH Report on Local Real Estate Market 2nd Quarter, Kuwait Finance House. Available online: https:\/\/www.kfh.com\/en\/reports\/kuwait\/RE-Reports\/KFH-Local-Real-Estate-Report---Q2-2024\/document_en\/RealEstateRep-2Q24EngAcptd.pdf.pdf."},{"key":"ref_9","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"334","DOI":"10.9790\/1813-1309334339","article-title":"Tracing the origins of the wind catcher: A comparative study of Iran, Egypt, and its influence on Kuwaiti architecture","volume":"13","author":"Almekaimi","year":"2024","journal-title":"Int. J. Eng. Sci."},{"key":"ref_10","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"30","DOI":"10.1186\/s40878-024-00390-3","article-title":"Labor migration, remittances, and the economy in the Gulf Cooperation Council region","volume":"12","author":"Wagle","year":"2024","journal-title":"Comp. Migr. Stud."},{"key":"ref_11","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Zairul, M. (2025). Social housing development in the Arabian Gulf countries: Policies, practices, and prospects. Front. Built Environ., 11.","DOI":"10.3389\/fbuil.2025.1715060"},{"key":"ref_12","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Al-Raqeb, H., and Ghaffar, S.H. (2024). 3D concrete printing in Kuwait: Stakeholder insights for sustainable waste management solutions. Sustainability, 17.","DOI":"10.20944\/preprints202412.0281.v1"},{"key":"ref_13","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Placzek, G., and Schwerdtner, P. (2024). A global snapshot of 3D-Printed buildings: Uncovering robotic-Oriented fabrication strategies. Buildings, 14.","DOI":"10.3390\/buildings14113410"},{"key":"ref_14","unstructured":"Mahgoub, Y. (2025, August 14). Globalization and the Built Environment in Kuwait. Available online: https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/223233037_Globalization_and_the_built_environment_in_Kuwait."},{"key":"ref_15","unstructured":"Al Haroun, Y. (2025, July 02). Contemporary Attitudes to Vernacular Elements in Kuwait\u2019s Domestic Architecture: A Mixed Method Study. Available online: https:\/\/etheses.whiterose.ac.uk\/id\/eprint\/8096\/7\/Yousef%20Al-Haroun%20PhD%20Thesis%20%282015%29.pdf."},{"key":"ref_16","first-page":"176","article-title":"Challenges in traditional concrete slab construction for housing buildings in developing countries and critical need for novel methods","volume":"5","author":"Jonnalagadda","year":"2023","journal-title":"Int. J. Adv. Eng. Manag."},{"key":"ref_17","unstructured":"High Concrete Group (2025, July 02). Precast Concrete vs. Cast-In-Place vs. Tilt-Up. Available online: https:\/\/www.highconcrete.com\/blog\/precast-concrete-vs-cast-in-place-vs-tilt-up\/?form=MG0AV3."},{"key":"ref_18","unstructured":"Aladwani, M., and Fleming, A. (2019, January 16\u201317). Improving the Construction Industry in the State of Kuwait. Proceedings of the 14th International Postgraduate Research Conference 2019: Contemporary and Future Directions in the Built Environment, Manchester, UK. Available online: https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/339311399_Improving_the_Construction_Industry_in_the_State_of_Kuwait."},{"key":"ref_19","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Tardieu, H., Daly, D., Esteban-Lauz\u00e1n, J., Hall, J., and Miller, G. (2020). The birth of digital\u2014A brief history of digital technologies. Future of Business and Finance, Springer.","DOI":"10.1007\/978-3-030-37955-1_1"},{"key":"ref_20","unstructured":"Johnstone, K., Kervin, L., and Wyeth, P. (2025, July 02). Defining Digital Technology\u2014Digital Child. Available online: https:\/\/digitalchild.org.au\/defining-digital-technology\/."},{"key":"ref_21","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"47","DOI":"10.9734\/jerr\/2022\/v23i117590","article-title":"Automated On-site Construction: 3D Printing Technology","volume":"23","author":"Nebrida","year":"2022","journal-title":"J. Eng. Res. Rep."},{"key":"ref_22","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"104906","DOI":"10.1016\/j.autcon.2023.104906","article-title":"Off-site construction with 3D concrete printing","volume":"152","author":"Kruger","year":"2023","journal-title":"Autom. Constr."},{"key":"ref_23","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Zhang, N., Ye, J., Zhong, Y., and Chen, Z. (2023). Digital Transformation in the Chinese Construction Industry: Status, Barriers, and Impact. Buildings, 13.","DOI":"10.3390\/buildings13041092"},{"key":"ref_24","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"118","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jsis.2019.01.003","article-title":"Understanding digital transformation: A review and a research agenda","volume":"28","author":"Vial","year":"2019","journal-title":"J. Strateg. Inf. Syst."},{"key":"ref_25","unstructured":"Arpitha, S. (2025, July 02). Dubai\u2019s 3D Printing Strategy: Transforming the Construction Sector. Available online: https:\/\/parametric-architecture.com\/dubais-3d-printing-strategy-transforming-the-construction-sector\/?srsltid=AfmBOopxHLzXP6qtjd6gqHilM8SCbD686ct4o9MNuWC_dSZ_hofJnLPQ."},{"key":"ref_26","unstructured":"Emuwawon, H., and Eleazer, S.C. (2025, July 02). How is 3D Printing Driving Sustainable Construction Practices?. Available online: https:\/\/www.greystar.com\/blog\/3d-printing-in-construction."},{"key":"ref_27","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Al-Raqeb, H., Ghaffar, S.H., Haitherali, H., and Gopakumar, A. (2024). Overcoming barriers to implementing building information modelling in Kuwait\u2019s Ministry of Public Works: A framework for sustainable construction. Buildings, 14.","DOI":"10.3390\/buildings14010130"},{"key":"ref_28","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Everett, B., Soto, J., Bakhshi, P., and Pourmokhtarian, A. (2022, January 9\u201312). Exploring 3D Printing Potentials for Sustainable, Resilient, and Affordable Housing. Proceedings of the Creative Construction e-Conference, Petr\u010dane, Croatia. Available online: https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/367534467_Exploring_3D_Printing_Potentials_for_Sustainable_Resilient_and_Affordable_Housing.","DOI":"10.3311\/CCC2022-038"},{"key":"ref_29","unstructured":"CyBe Construction (2025, September 11). 3D Studio 2030. Available online: https:\/\/cybe.eu\/cases\/3d-studio-2030\/."},{"key":"ref_30","unstructured":"Bari, M. (2025, July 02). Inside the World\u2019s Largest 3D Printed Villa in Dubai. Available online: https:\/\/www.constructionweekonline.com\/news\/3dxb-dubai-3d-print-villa."},{"key":"ref_31","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Yu, H., Shang, Z., and Wang, F. (2024). Analysis of the Current Situation of the Construct ion Industry in Saudi Arabia and the Factors Affecting It: An Empirical Study. Sustainability, 16.","DOI":"10.3390\/su16166756"},{"key":"ref_32","unstructured":"Molitch-Hou, M. (2025, July 02). World\u2019s Largest On-Site 3D Printed Building Completed in Saudi Arabia. Available online: https:\/\/3dprint.com\/298925\/worlds-largest-on-site-3d-printed-building-completed-in-saudi-arabia\/."},{"key":"ref_33","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"104772","DOI":"10.1016\/j.autcon.2023.104772","article-title":"3D printing for remote housing: Benefits and challenges","volume":"148","author":"Bazli","year":"2023","journal-title":"Autom. Constr."},{"key":"ref_34","unstructured":"(2025, July 02). Sustainability Directory. Manufacturing Scalability \u2192 Term. Energy \u2192 Sustainability Directory. Available online: https:\/\/energy.sustainability-directory.com\/term\/manufacturing-scalability\/."},{"key":"ref_35","first-page":"297","article-title":"An overview of BIM adoption in the construction industry: Benefits and barriers","volume":"Volume 2","author":"Romdhane","year":"2020","journal-title":"Emerald Reach Proceedings Series"},{"key":"ref_36","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Alami, A.H., Olabi, A.G., Ayoub, M., Aljaghoub, H., Alasad, S., and Abdelkareem, M.A. (2023). 3D Concrete Printing: Recent Progress, Applications, Challenges, and Role in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals. Buildings, 13.","DOI":"10.3390\/buildings13040924"},{"key":"ref_37","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Altuwaim, A., AlTasan, A., and Almohsen, A. (2023). Success criteria for applying construction technologies in residential projects. Sustainability, 15.","DOI":"10.3390\/su15086854"},{"key":"ref_38","unstructured":"COBOD (2025, July 02). World\u2019s First 3D Printed Large Concrete Tanks. Available online: https:\/\/cobod.com\/worlds-first-3d-printed-large-concrete-tanks-made-with-materials-savings-of-25\/."},{"key":"ref_39","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"n71","DOI":"10.1136\/bmj.n71","article-title":"The PRISMA 2020 statement: An updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews","volume":"372","author":"Page","year":"2021","journal-title":"BMJ"},{"key":"ref_40","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"12368","DOI":"10.1109\/ACCESS.2023.3241809","article-title":"Defining the metaverse: A systematic literature review","volume":"11","author":"Ritterbusch","year":"2023","journal-title":"IEEE Access"},{"key":"ref_41","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"3458","DOI":"10.3390\/smartcities7060135","article-title":"How 3D printing technology makes cities smarter: A review, thematic analysis, and perspectives","volume":"7","author":"Prasittisopin","year":"2024","journal-title":"Smart Cities"},{"key":"ref_42","unstructured":"Pawar, M. (2024). Building the future: Evaluating the Integration of 3D Printing\u2019s Impact in the Construction\/AEC Sector. [Master\u2019s Thesis, University of Liverpool]."},{"key":"ref_43","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"347","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jer.2023.08.009","article-title":"Systematic review of construction project delays in Kuwait","volume":"11","author":"Alrasheed","year":"2023","journal-title":"J. Eng. Res."},{"key":"ref_44","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Abid, M.T., Khan, S.A., and Ko\u00e7, M. (2025). 3D printing in facilities management: A systematic review toward smart and sustainable building operations. Buildings, 15.","DOI":"10.3390\/buildings15234231"},{"key":"ref_45","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"113","DOI":"10.61268\/kvakx321","article-title":"Challenges, new approaches, and potential future paths for three-dimensional printing (3DP) in building project: A review","volume":"3","year":"2025","journal-title":"Al-Rafidain J. Eng. Sci."},{"key":"ref_46","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Ibrahim, I., Eltarabishi, F., Abdalla, H., and Abdallah, M. (2022). 3D Printing in sustainable buildings: Systematic review and applications in the United Arab Emirates. Buildings, 12.","DOI":"10.3390\/buildings12101703"},{"key":"ref_47","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"01002","DOI":"10.1051\/e3sconf\/202458601002","article-title":"A case study of the largest 3D printed villa: Breaking boundaries in sustainable construction","volume":"586","author":"Alqaryouti","year":"2024","journal-title":"E3S Web Conf."},{"key":"ref_48","first-page":"56","article-title":"The comparative analysis of 3D printing technology development for building construction","volume":"4","author":"Jung","year":"2022","journal-title":"Int. J. Adv. Res. Technol. Innov."},{"key":"ref_49","unstructured":"Shema, A.I., Ibrahim, A.U., Atakara, C., and Abdulmalik, H. (2025, September 01). The Integration of 3D Printing, Artificial Intelligence and Internet of Things for Construction of Sustainable Smart Homes. Available online: https:\/\/papers.ssrn.com\/sol3\/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4263953."},{"key":"ref_50","unstructured":"Alhumayani, H. (2022). The Feasibility of 3D Printing Technology as a New Construction Method for Houses in Saudi Arabia. [Ph.D. Thesis, Cardiff University]."},{"key":"ref_51","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Sati, A., Abu Dabous, S., Hosny, F., Abdallah, M., and Mantha, B.R.K. (2025, June 04). Comparative Eco-Efficiency Assessment of Different Construction Methods: General Framework and 3D Concrete Printing Application. Available online: https:\/\/ssrn.com\/abstract=5038558.","DOI":"10.2139\/ssrn.5038558"},{"key":"ref_52","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"115","DOI":"10.5539\/jsd.v13n4p115","article-title":"Evaluating the building technology stimulus initiative offered by the Ministry of Housing within the Kingdom\u2019s Vision 2030","volume":"13","author":"Alangari","year":"2020","journal-title":"J. Sustain. Dev."},{"key":"ref_53","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"031","DOI":"10.21926\/jept.2304031","article-title":"Enhancement techniques for the reduction of heating and cooling loads in buildings: A review","volume":"5","author":"Ismail","year":"2023","journal-title":"J. Energy Power Technol."},{"key":"ref_54","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"43","DOI":"10.4028\/p-VPN0Le","article-title":"Insights into new trends and contemporary challenges in 3D printing in the architectural sector","volume":"8","year":"2024","journal-title":"Eng. Innov."},{"key":"ref_55","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"2","DOI":"10.1016\/j.autcon.2023.104751","article-title":"Robotic 3D printing of concrete building components for residential buildings in Saudi Arabia","volume":"148","author":"Alabbasi","year":"2023","journal-title":"Autom. Constr."},{"key":"ref_56","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"63","DOI":"10.54203\/jceu.2024.5","article-title":"3D printing in civil engineering: Pioneering affordable housing solutions","volume":"14","author":"Firoozi","year":"2024","journal-title":"J. Civ. Eng. Urban."},{"key":"ref_57","unstructured":"Tamimi, H., Abuamara, F., and Al-Baik, O. (2021, January 17\u201319). Utilization of 3D printing technology: A case study of UAE. Proceedings of the 2021 8th International Conference on Computing for Sustainable Global Development (INDIACom), New Delhi, India."},{"key":"ref_58","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Faccia, A., Le Roux, C.L., and Pandey, V. (2023). Innovation and E-commerce models, the technology catalysts for sustainable development: The emirate of Dubai case study. Sustainability, 15.","DOI":"10.3390\/su15043419"},{"key":"ref_59","unstructured":"Fazal, M.U., and Batikha, M. (2021, January 26\u201328). 3D Concrete Printing for sustainable and affordable housing Construction: A construction-comparative study. Proceedings of the ZEMCH 2021 International Conference, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Available online: http:\/\/zemch.org\/proceedings\/2021\/ZEMCH2021.pdf."},{"key":"ref_60","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Tahmasebinia, F., Jabbari, A.A., and Skrzypkowski, K. (2023). The application of finite element simulation and 3D printing in structural design within construction industry 4.0. Appl. Sci., 13.","DOI":"10.3390\/app13063929"},{"key":"ref_61","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"80","DOI":"10.13105\/wjma.v5.i4.80","article-title":"Assessing the Quality of Studies in Meta-Analyses: Advantages and Limitations of the Newcastle Ottawa Scale","volume":"5","author":"Luchini","year":"2017","journal-title":"World J. Meta-Anal."},{"key":"ref_62","unstructured":"Peng, C. (2025, November 05). The Development Prospects of 3D Printers in the Middle East Market. Available online: https:\/\/www.icolorprinterandcopier.com\/article\/the-development-prospects-of-3d-printers-in-the-middle-east-market."},{"key":"ref_63","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Ottesen, A., Thom, D., Bhagat, R., and Mourdaa, R. (2023). Learning from the future of Kuwait: Scenarios as a learning tool to build consensus for actions needed to realise Vision 2035. Sustainability, 15.","DOI":"10.3390\/su15097054"},{"key":"ref_64","unstructured":"Vialva, T. (2025, November 05). Saudi Arabia\u2019s Housing Ministry and Al Kathiri Holding to Develop Concrete 3D Printing Processes. Available online: https:\/\/3dprintingindustry.com\/news\/saudi-arabias-housing-ministry-and-al-kathiri-holding-to-develop-concrete-3d-printing-processes-150760\/."},{"key":"ref_65","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"37","DOI":"10.1016\/j.cemconres.2018.05.006","article-title":"3D printing using concrete extrusion: A roadmap for research","volume":"112","author":"Buswell","year":"2018","journal-title":"Cem. Concr. Res."},{"key":"ref_66","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"261","DOI":"10.1080\/17452759.2017.1326724","article-title":"3D printing trends in building and construction industry: A review","volume":"12","author":"Tay","year":"2017","journal-title":"Virtual Phys. Prototyp."},{"key":"ref_67","first-page":"1","article-title":"Three-dimensional printing in the construction industry: A review","volume":"15","author":"Perkins","year":"2015","journal-title":"Int. J. Constr. Manag."},{"key":"ref_68","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"121","DOI":"10.1016\/j.compind.2016.09.006","article-title":"Understanding the Implications of Digition and Automation in the Context of Industry 4.0: A Triangulation Approach and Elements of a Research Agenda for the Construction Industry","volume":"83","author":"Oesterreich","year":"2016","journal-title":"Comput. Ind."}],"container-title":["Buildings"],"original-title":[],"language":"en","link":[{"URL":"https:\/\/www.mdpi.com\/2075-5309\/16\/2\/343\/pdf","content-type":"unspecified","content-version":"vor","intended-application":"similarity-checking"}],"deposited":{"date-parts":[[2026,1,14]],"date-time":"2026-01-14T09:23:18Z","timestamp":1768382598000},"score":1,"resource":{"primary":{"URL":"https:\/\/www.mdpi.com\/2075-5309\/16\/2\/343"}},"subtitle":[],"short-title":[],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026,1,14]]},"references-count":68,"journal-issue":{"issue":"2","published-online":{"date-parts":[[2026,1]]}},"alternative-id":["buildings16020343"],"URL":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/buildings16020343","relation":{},"ISSN":["2075-5309"],"issn-type":[{"value":"2075-5309","type":"electronic"}],"subject":[],"published":{"date-parts":[[2026,1,14]]}}}