The First 3D Construction Printing Course Starts in the North East
A new 3D construction printing course has been unveiled in the North East of Ireland as a means of potentially addressing the need for new and affordable homes in the face of the current housing shortage in Ireland. The course is run by Louth and Meath Education Training Board (LMETB) in Drogheda, Co. Louth and is the first of its kind in Ireland.
The promise of 3D printing in the construction industry has many benefits and is able to dramatically reduced lead times, is less labour-intensive and addresses many of the sustainability concerns that the construction industry generates.
LMETB said it identified the need for training in this area, in the hope it could contribute positively to Ireland's current need for new housing. The course is aimed at architects, designers, builders and other people working in the construction sector so they can become familiar with the technology.
Other countries including the United States and the Netherlands are already building properties with 3D printers. "Labour and productivity are the main drivers for this technology. We really do see it making a difference in social housing but also delivering at a rapid rate" explains Dr Marchant van den Heever, Harcourt Technologies’ Technical Director, who is a 3D concrete printing expert and technical advisor to Future Cast.
"Obviously it depends on the size of the house but we’re moving a 1,500 sqm an hour so you can do a three-bedroom house in less than a week" he said. This speed aspect would in itself help address the current target of 33 000 homes a year the Irish government has set to tackle the housing crisis.
Mark McGowan, a former joiner and now trainer, said 3D concrete printing is the way of the future. "What we see is practical and more cost-effective and every month, with more research and development, it’s only going to get faster" he added.
Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien said he welcomed new approaches and innovation in the construction sector "that reduces costs and speeds up delivery while maintaining high standards.” Minister O’Brien pointed to the Housing for All housing plan which commits that the Government will drive innovation and productivity in order to reduce residential construction costs.
For more information on the upcoming Introduction to 3D Construction Printing course and to join please email amcdaid@lmetb.ie
The article can be found here
