First 3DCP RMC Building in Ireland Receives High Commendation Award at The 41st Annual Irish Concrete Society Awards
The Irish Concrete Society Annual Awards are a prestigious celebration of excellence in design and construction involving concrete. Established in 1977, these awards recognise outstanding achievements in which concrete, in any form, plays a significant role. Each year, independent and distinguished juries of construction industry professionals adjudicate the entries to acknowledge remarkable projects.
Several remarkable projects stood out at the 41st Annual Awards, held on April 27, 2024. Among them was the groundbreaking collaboration between HTL.tech, Roadstone, Cundall, and Mattest. These companies joined forces to pioneer a new method of 3D construction printing (3DCP) directly on-site utilising existing Irish Building Regulations and using Ready-Mix Concrete in a world first.
The Donore Road 3DCP Demonstration Building
The Donore Road 3DCP Demonstration Building, designed by Harcourt Technologies Ltd, Harcourt Architects, Cundall, Mattest, and Roadstone Ltd., was highly commended in the building category.
The Irish Concrete Society jury stated, “The adoption of 3D Construction Printing marks a departure from traditional construction methods, offering unprecedented speed through continuous and automated printing. The accelerated construction pace helps to enhance resource efficiency while minimising waste and energy consumption. Given that such a structure has never been previously constructed in Ireland and considering that it marks ‘the worlds inaugural utilisation of ready mixed printable concrete in building construction’, extensive research and testing were essential to the successful completion of the project. The judges are unanimous in recommending this innovative approach for special commendation.”
This recognition and acknowledgment of our work and the excellent team that made it happen, including our partners Roadstone Ltd. and consultants Mattest, Harcourt Architects, and Cundall, who all worked tirelessly to bring Ireland's first-ever RMC 3DCP building to life in Drogheda.
Gerard Doyle, Associate Director at Cundall, expressed his excitement about the award: “It’s brilliant to see a ground-breaking engineering solution nominated for such a prestigious award. This solution can meet the current needs of delivering safe, sustainable buildings quickly, without compromising on design, quality, or longevity. We look forward to continuing the progress made with a view to providing specific technical and compliance guidance to the emerging 3DCP industry.”
The 2024 Irish Concrete Society Awards highlighted the power of innovation and collaboration in the construction industry. HTL.tech, Roadstone, Cundall, and Mattest’s achievement in 3D construction printing serves as an inspiration for future projects.
Justin Kinsella, Managing Director of HTL.tech, said of the achievement: “I am thrilled to see our collaborative efforts recognised at the 2024 Irish Concrete Society Awards. 3D construction printing is not just a technique; it’s a paradigm shift. By enabling on-site printing, we’ve unlocked a new era of efficiency, sustainability, and value. Our vision extends beyond this award. We’re committed to refining the 3DCP process, exploring new applications, and collaborating with architects, engineers, and builders in Ireland.”
As we move forward, let’s celebrate the creative minds shaping the future of construction.