14Trees Unveils Africa’s First 3D Printer for Construction

14Trees, in a quest to fast-track the adoption of 3-D printing technology in Africa, has launched Iroko—the first-ever construction-ready 3D printer on the continent.

This new printer specialises in one- and two-storey residential and commercial applications, designed to improve construction speed, cost, and flexibility.

Iroko is designed to accommodate low-carbon “inks,” enabling 14Trees to achieve up to 70% decrease in a building’s carbon footprint compared to traditional construction methods.

“Our 14Trees printer is a robust solution to maintain affordability and deliver on structural performance. We’re enhancing the sustainability and profitability of 3D printing for construction,” 14Trees managing director François Perrot said in a press statement.

RELATED: How 3D Printing of Buildings Is Transforming Construction

14Trees is a joint venture between Swiss cement maker Holcim and British International Investment (BII), an agency of the UK government.

Both institutions have expressed their enthusiasm at the pioneering milestone that 14Trees has achieved in innovating 3D construction methods in Africa.

“This innovation will help accelerate 3D construction printing around the world, fully aligned with Holcim’s mission to decarbonise building at scale,” Miljan Gutovic, Holcim’s region head for Europe said.

On the other hand, Abhinav Sinha, managing director and head of technology and telecoms at BII said: “[The] innovation will help to increase the availability of affordable housing, which is urgently needed on the continent.”

Delivery of the Iroko 3D printer will take place in September.   

In February, 14Trees 3D printed 10 houses in Kilifi, Kenya, as part of 52 houses that are set to be printed at an upcoming gated community in the county.

RELATED: Work Begins on Africa’s Largest 3D-Printed Estate

The company said it had 3D printed six 3-bedroom (76 sq m) houses and four 2-bedroom (56 sq m) houses using a single BOD2 printer from COBOD.

COBOD is a world leader in 3D construction printing solutions, while BOD2 is the world’s best-selling construction 3D printer with 65+ printers sold worldwide.

When 3D-printing a structure, the printer takes into account the piping and connections for electricity, gas, and water that are to be fitted later.

The BOD2 printer allows for manual tasks such as the installation of empty pipes and connections to be carried out during the printing process.

Join 15,000+ pros getting our weekly digest of news and insights.