In a groundbreaking development for Ireland’s housing sector, three families in Dundalk, County Louth, have become the nation’s first residents of 3D-printed homes. These two-story, three-bedroom terraced houses were constructed using automated concrete printing technology, marking a significant advancement in construction methods aimed at addressing the housing crisis.
All photos – The Irish Sun
The construction process spanned six months, with the 3D printing phase completed in just 12 days. A 3D concrete printer, installed on a gantry and programmed to follow a digital blueprint, extruded concrete to build the cavity walls from the ground up, eliminating the need for traditional concrete blocks.
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This innovative project was a collaborative effort involving Louth County Council, Harcourt Technologies (HTL), Roadstone, the Louth & Meath Education & Training Board, and Harcourt Architects. The initiative showcases the potential of 3D printing technology to revolutionize housing delivery by reducing costs, accelerating construction timelines, and enhancing efficiency.
HTL’s Managing Director, Justin Kinsella, highlighted the project’s success, stating, “We have successfully demonstrated the benefits of the technology in delivering a traditional and trusted concrete cavity wall construction, with remarkable efficiency—60 percent faster than conventional methods and reducing the overall project delivery by 35 percent.”
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The construction cost for each home was approximately $ 275,000 USD, aligning with existing traditional construction expenses. This cost parity suggests that 3D printing technology can be a viable alternative to conventional building methods, offering both efficiency and affordability.
Gary Fleisher, The Modcoach, writes about the modular and offsite construction industry at Modular Home Source.
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