WOW! Families set to move into Ireland's first ever 3D printed homes in Dundalk

Yes, you read that correctly. Ireland (and the UK's) first ever 3D printed homes have been completed in Dundalk, Co Louth, and are now ready for families to move in. 

The three homes, which are two-storey and include three bedrooms, were built over the course of six months, dating from May to November.  

This innovative housing project is a result of a collaboration between Harcourt Technologies (HTL.tech), material supplier Roadstone, Louth County Council, and Louth and Meath Education and Training Board.

Using the COBOD International A/S BOD2 3D construction printer, each property spans 330 square meters (1,184 square feet). The homes were built in a record time of 132 days, significantly faster than the typical 203 days required for traditional construction methods.

The walls of the properties were printed in just 12 days, with the entire structure completed in 18 days. COBOD attributes these impressive time savings to the efficiency of 3D printing, which allows for meticulous pre-planning and faster execution.

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This method not only meets European Union masonry standards but also showcases the potential for scalability in addressing housing needs.

Justin Kinsella, MD and co-founder of HTL.tech, expressed pride in Louth County’s role in pioneering this technology. He highlighted the transformative potential of 3D printing in providing sustainable and efficient solutions to Ireland’s housing challenges.

COBOD also emphasized that 3D printing contributed to a 35% faster completion time compared to conventional methods, underscoring the technology's efficiency.

This milestone project signifies a significant leap in construction technology, positioning Europe to catch up with the U.S. in utilising 3D printing to address critical housing shortages.

Ireland's housing crisis, driven by a decade of under-construction and rising demand, has reached critical levels, leading to widespread protests and influencing national elections.

The rapid construction made possible by 3D printing offers a promising solution. The homes in Dundalk demonstrate how this technology can address housing shortages by dramatically reducing construction time and costs.