A viewing of the completed 3D construction printed social housing scheme in Dundalk took place recently, offering a first look at the innovative homes ahead of their official occupation. The event provided an opportunity to explore the cutting-edge development, a significant step forward in Ireland's housing sector, made possible through the collaboration of HTL.tech and Roadstone.
The project, built for Louth County Council by B&C Contractors Ltd, is the first 3D printed social housing scheme of its kind in Ireland. Roadstone was one of the collaborators on the project successfully integrating Ready-Mix Concrete into the 3DCP process, a first in Europe, setting a new benchmark for fast, sustainable housing solutions. The development includes three two-storey, three-bedroom homes, each with a floor area of 110 m². These homes will provide much-needed accommodation for families on the housing list in County Louth, with three local families scheduled to move in this January.
Construction of the Grange Close Project in Dundalk began on May 22nd and was completed on November 29th, showcasing the impressive efficiency of 3D Construction Printing (3DCP) technology. Thanks to the integration of Additive Construction (AC) technology, the project achieved a significant reduction in construction timelines – over 35%. This was made possible through the use of 3D printing for the superstructures, which were completed in an astounding 12 print days. In total, the machine on-site time, which included setup, scaffolding, floor joists, and disassembly, amounted to just 18 working days.
During the visit, Roadstone Commercial Manager Paddy Diviney and Dublin Sales Representative John McKenna toured the completed property alongside HTL.Tech CEO Justin Kinsella, BIM Coordinator, Auveen O'Donnell, and Director of Procurement, Terry Rowan, to experience the impressive 3D printed homes firsthand. Paddy Diviney shared his enthusiasm about the project and Roadstone’s involvement in its success: “Seeing the completed 3D printed homes firsthand is truly impressive. This project has established a new standard for efficiency and sustainability in the construction industry. At Roadstone, we’re proud to have developed this pioneering technology in partnership with HTL Tech, and it’s exciting to witness how technologies like this will redefine the future of construction"
The project’s commitment to safety and quality is reflected in the Certificate of Completion issued by Louth County Council Building Control, ensuring it complies with all relevant regulations. The collaboration between COBOD International, HTL.tech, and Roadstone, utilising Ready-Mix Concrete (RMC), contributed to a 60% improvement in the overall construction timeline, demonstrating the potential of 3DCP to address the demand for fast, affordable housing solutions.
This award-winning project also received the 'Standards Innovation Award' from the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) for its adherence to the I.S. EN ISO/ASTM 52939:2023 Additive Construction standard, ensuring safety and quality in additive manufacturing for construction. An audit by Qualified AM GmbH further underscores HTL.tech’s commitment to maintaining rigorous standards, marking a significant advancement in construction practices across Ireland.