Ireland’s First 3D Printed Homes: A New Era in Sustainable Housing
In a groundbreaking collaboration, Future Cast is proud to be at the forefront of Ireland’s first 3D printed homes project in Dundalk, Co. Louth. As an Innovation, Education, and R&D center focused on the Construction and Quarrying industries, Future Cast is playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of housing in the country.
Our 3D construction printing expert, Mark McGowan, is leading the charge on this revolutionary initiative, which is being spearheaded by Harcourt Technologies Ltd (HTL), in partnership with Louth County Council, Louth & Meath Education and Training Board (LMETB), and Roadstone Ltd.
The project, located at Grange Close in Dundalk, will see the construction of three social housing units using cutting-edge 3D printing technology. A 3D concrete printer, erected on a gantry, will be programmed to pipe concrete out following a digital plan, building cavity walls from scratch without the need for concrete blocks.
“This innovative method promises to speed up the construction process and reduce labor requirements by a third,” says Mark McGowan, 3D Construction Printing Expert at Future Cast. “We’re thrilled to be part of this groundbreaking project that will not only accelerate housing delivery but also promote sustainability through the use of low-carbon materials.”
The collaboration between Future Cast, HTL, Louth County Council, LMETB, and Roadstone Ltd has been crucial in bringing this project to life. HTL, the construction tech company behind the technology, has designed the buildings in a digital model, which is then transferred to the printer. Roadstone Ltd, a CRH company, has provided the low-carbon embodied printed concrete, ensuring sustainability is at the forefront of the project.
As the project progresses, the team at Future Cast is working closely with HTL to provide training at their research and development facility in Drogheda. The Louth Meath Education and Training Board (LMETB) has already purchased a 3D concrete printer rig as part of its Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre of Excellence, and over 100 people have completed the training so far.
As the first 3D printed homes in Ireland take shape, Future Cast is proud to be at the forefront of this revolution. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and fostering collaborative partnerships, we are shaping the future of housing and contributing to the sustainable development of our communities.
