The Daily Star Ireland
Three families in Dundalk, Co Louth, are set to become the first in Ireland and the UK to move into homes built using 3D printing technology. These innovative two-storey, three-bedroom terraced houses were constructed using an automated system that lays concrete according to a digital blueprint.
A formal event will take place in Dundalk later today to officially transfer ownership of the homes in Grange Close to the three families, who had previously been on the Louth County Council social housing waiting list.
The construction process utilized a 3D concrete printer mounted on a gantry, which was programmed to precisely extrude concrete layer by layer, eliminating the need for traditional concrete blocks. The cavity walls were built entirely from scratch using this method.
These homes were constructed over a six-month period, from May to November of last year.
According to developers, the COBOD 3D construction printing technology used in this project enhances efficiency by automating the concrete laying process. This results in faster construction times, reduced costs, improved structural durability, and a more sustainable use of materials.
The project at Grange Close was made possible through a collaboration between Louth County Council and Irish construction technology firm Harcourt Technologies (HTL), alongside construction company Roadstone, the Louth & Meath Education & Training Board (LMETB), and Harcourt Architects.
Each of the three homes has an internal floor area of 110 square meters and boasts an A2 energy efficiency rating.
