Celebrating Innovation and Collaboration: Our Feature in Architects Journal with Harcourt Architects
We are excited to share that our groundbreaking social housing project, developed in collaboration with our sister firm, Harcourt Architects, has been featured in the Architects Journal. The article highlights our innovative use of 3D printing technology to deliver a council housing scheme in Dundalk, Ireland—a project that could redefine how homes are built in the UK and beyond.
This pioneering scheme, completed in just 132 days, is the first of its kind in the world to meet internationally recognized technical standards (ISO/ASTM 52939:2030). By utilizing 3D construction printing, we were able to significantly accelerate the building process, shaving at least a third off the time required for traditional construction methods. The result is a trio of three-bedroom homes that are not only faster to build but also stronger, more sustainable, and cost-effective.
A New Era in Construction
The project, delivered in partnership with Harcourt Technologies Ltd (HTL.tech), showcases the potential of 3D printing to revolutionise the construction industry. Using a COBOD 3D printer, the team created load-bearing, double-cavity concrete walls that are five times stronger than traditional blockwork. Each layer of concrete cures in just 18 minutes, allowing for rapid progress on-site.
The homes, funded and built by Louth County Council, cost approximately £205,000 per unit, including traditional roof structures and standard finishes. While this marks a significant achievement, the team anticipates further cost reductions as the technology scales.
Sustainability at the Core
One of the most exciting aspects of this project is its environmental benefits. The 3D-printed concrete used in the scheme reduces embodied carbon by roughly 20% compared to conventional concrete block construction. By incorporating locally sourced materials and replacing ordinary Portland cement with supplementary cementitious materials like GGBS, the project minimises its carbon footprint.
Additionally, the precision of the 3D printing process drastically reduces waste, while the modular nature of the printer—which can be transported to site on a single lorry—eliminates the need for multiple deliveries and off-site storage. The mass concrete walls also provide exceptional air-tightness, enhancing the energy efficiency of the homes.
A Catalyst for Change
This project is more than just a technical achievement; it’s a proof of concept for the future of housing. The success of the Grange Close scheme has already sparked discussions with social housing providers and private developers in the UK, paving the way for broader adoption of 3D printing technology.
HTL’s recent appointment to the Social Housing Emerging Disruptors (SHED 4) Framework further underscores the potential of this innovation. The £100 million initiative aims to connect innovators with public sector clients and social landlords, driving efficiency and reducing costs across the industry.
Looking Ahead
Being featured in the Architects Journal is a testament to the hard work and vision of our team at Harcourt Architects and HTL.tech. This project represents a significant step forward in addressing the housing crisis and climate change, demonstrating how technology and collaboration can create sustainable, high-quality homes for communities in need.
We are proud to be at the forefront of this movement and look forward to scaling this technology to deliver even more impactful projects in the future.