3D Construction Printed Social Housing Scheme To Be Unveiled In Co. Louth
Media release - 15/05/2024
HOUSING SCHEME WILL BE THE FIRST DELIVERED USING 3D CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY IN IRELAND
Co. Louth, Ireland – Louth County Council is delighted to announce a pioneering housing project underway in Dundalk, Co Louth, signalling the beginning of 3D Construction Printed (3DCP) social housing in Ireland. The Grange Close pilot project involves a unique collaboration between Louth County Council, Louth & Meath Education & Training Board (LMETB), Irish-owned company Harcourt Technologies Ltd (HTL.tech), and Roadstone Ltd, a CRH company, using 3DCP technology with the aim of providing a pathway towards an increased output of more sustainable, affordable, and efficient housing. The project aims to utilise 3D construction printing technology to provide three three-bedroom terraced units that will have a floor area of c. 110 m² over two floors at Grange Close, Dundalk.
3DCP is a method of construction that involves using large-scale 3D printers on-site to create three-dimensional structures layer by layer. In this process, layers of Ready-Mix Concrete (RMC) are sequentially deposited through a gantry-based 3DCP machine according to a digital model. The result is the creation of the housing superstructure at a rate which is up to three times faster than is possible through traditional methods. This approach significantly streamlines construction processes and holds immense potential to revolutionise the construction industry in Ireland by providing faster, more cost-effective, and sustainable ways to build.
In preparation for the Grange Close scheme, HTL.tech successfully completed two 2-bedroom units at their R&D facility in Drogheda, Co. Louth, to demonstrate this fully compliant Integrated Modern Method of Construction (MMC) Housing Solution. This accomplishment underscores the project's feasibility and scalability.
The contract for the construction of the project was awarded to B&C Building Contractors Ltd, Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan.
Joan Martin, Chief Executive at Louth County Council said: “Louth County Council is proud to collaborate with LMETB, Harcourt Technologies Ltd (HTL.tech), and Roadstone Ltd to deliver what is a very significant pilot project at Grange Close, Dundalk. The provision of high quality and sustainable social housing is a core objective of Louth County Council, and this project is a significant example of the use of innovative technologies and organisational collaboration in the delivery of new homes.”
Justin Kinsella, MD and co-founder of HTL.tech, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating: "Co. Louth is at the forefront of innovative technology aimed at offering a solution to Ireland's housing shortage, and having grown up in the region, I am immensely proud. This endeavour highlights Louth County Council's progressive stance towards meeting housing needs and its dedication to promoting sustainable solutions. The transformative potential of this technology is very exciting, offering a viable solution to help address our housing challenges. We're excited to start the Grange Close project and work with our development partners to create real change."
The housing units will use 3D printing technology and prefabricated construction components, including windows, doors, flooring, and roofing. Combining MMC component providers within the digital construction workflow of 3DCP will ensure the precise integration of prefabricated elements, expediting assembly while guaranteeing consistency. This collaboration will streamline construction processes, enhance efficiency, and boost housing production capacity.
It is intended that the Grange Close scheme showcase the use of the regulatory-compliant 3DCP technology. Compared to traditional methods, the aim is to achieve three times faster superstructure program delivery and a 25% reduction in overall project timelines. This is the first social housing project in the world to integrate 3D construction printing and Ready-Mix Concrete while using the lowest embodied carbon mix to save 278 kg CO2e/m³ in conjunction with their building materials partner, Roadstone.
"Roadstone is a solutions-focused business committed to driving innovation and sustainability. We are delighted to partner with Harcourt Technologies Ltd to offer this future-based approach to construction. Integrating new technology and traditional building materials offers a new era of efficiency and carbon reduction - working towards a sustainable future. Collaboration between Roadstone technical staff and the team at HTL, combined with access to our industry-leading R&D laboratory, has facilitated the development of bespoke RMC designs coupled with an efficient and high-tech modern method of construction."—Patrick Diviney, Roadstone, Commercial Manager.
The 3D construction housing project is built upon HTL.tech's use of COBOD International A/S 3D construction printing technology in collaboration with Roadstone. This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to innovation and sustainability within the construction industry and signals the beginning of the technology's scalability for housing delivery in Ireland.
Louth County Council, LMETB, HTL.tech and Roadstone are committed to advancing this pioneering initiative. This project lays a path for future innovation and collaboration within the construction industry in relation to the production of high-quality, sustainable, and efficient housing in response to the ongoing housing demand.