Kenya’s first 3D printed home has been unveiled at Athi River.
UK-based firm, CDC Group, in conjunction with Bamburi Cement’s parent firm Holcim in a venture named 14 Trees launched the house at a ceremony attended by Principal Secretary for the State Department for Housing and Urban Development, Charles Hinga.
The structure will act as a show house for a 52-unit housing development in Kilifi whose construction is scheduled to begin early 2022. The project, set to be Africa’s largest 3D printing housing project, will offer 1, 2 and 3 bedroom units.
Mr Hinga lauded the project, noting its potential in fast-tracking delivery of affordable houses in the country.
He added: “In line with the Affordable Housing Programme, and given the effects of climate change being experienced the world over, this project is indeed timely and opportune having achieved EDGE Advanced Certification. This is evidence that the project will benefit both the planet and the house owner through the reduction of carbon emissions during construction and lowering the water and energy costs in the running of the home.”
3D-printing of houses is done using a giant 3D printer that ejects a special concrete using a nozzle, which makes it possible for a wall to be completed in just 12 hours compared to the conventional four days.
14 Trees is focused on building affordable houses, schools and social infrastructures in Africa. It was set up with the aim to accelerate the production and commercialization of environmentally-friendly, affordable construction solutions in Africa.
14Trees benefits from the expertise of Holcim’s R&D centre, the world’s leading building materials research centre, to accelerate the use of environmentally friendly solutions such as Durabric© and 3D printing.
