Roadstone Ltd: 75 Years of Innovation in Ireland’s Construction Industry, Now Taking the Next Step with 3DCP Technology

Roadstone Ltd, a name synonymous with quality and innovation in the construction industry, has a rich history that dates back to the early 1930s. The company was founded by two enterprising Dublin brothers, Tom and Donal Roche, who started a sand and gravel haulage business with a single Bedford truck. Initially known as Roche Brothers, the company evolved into the Castle Sand Company before being rebranded as Roadstone in 1949.

Over the decades, Roadstone expanded rapidly, including a significant merger with Irish Cement in 1970, forming Cement-Roadstone Holdings (CRH), now a global leader in building materials. This growth was fuelled by the Roche brothers’ visionary planning and the acquisition of key land banks, such as the Belgard Quarry, which became the largest quarry in Europe at one point.

Celebrating 75 Years of Innovation

In 2024, Roadstone celebrated its 75th anniversary, marking a milestone in its journey of transforming the construction landscape in Ireland and beyond. This celebration was not just about looking back at past achievements but also about showcasing their ongoing commitment to innovation and sustainability.

A Groundbreaking Partnership

One of the notable highlights of Roadstone’s 75th anniversary is its pivotal role in Europe and Ireland’s first 3D-printed ready-mix concrete social housing project, where the EN206-certified material has been used in a structural capacity. This pioneering initiative in Dundalk, Co. Louth, represents a significant leap forward in construction technology. The project is a collaboration between Louth County Council, Harcourt Technologies Ltd (HTL.tech), and Roadstone Ltd.

The Grange Close pilot project will provide three three-bedroom terraced units using 3D construction printing technology to the social housing stock of Louth o. Council and three families will be living here from October 2024. This construction method involves large-scale 3D printers that create structures layer by layer with ready-mix concrete, speeding up the construction process and reducing costs. This innovative approach not only addresses the housing shortage but also promotes sustainability by using low-carbon concrete mixes, a goal that the HTL.tech materials team and Roadstone are continuously working on to better even further.

Looking Ahead

As Roadstone continues to lead the construction industry, its commitment to innovation and sustainability remains unwavering. The company’s involvement in groundbreaking projects like the 3D-printed social housing scheme underscores its role as a key player in shaping the future of construction in Ireland and the UK.

Here’s to Roadstone Ltd, celebrating 75 years of excellence and looking forward to many more years of pioneering advancements in the construction industry.

Roadstone Ltd website