Ireland's First 3D Printed Homes Welcome Families in Dundalk
Three families in Dundalk, Co Louth, are making history as they step into Ireland and the UK’s first-ever 3D-printed homes. These cutting-edge, two-storey, three-bedroom terraced houses mark a significant shift in how homes are built—offering a faster, more efficient, and sustainable approach to construction.
Today, in a special event in Grange Close, the keys to these innovative homes will be officially handed over to the new residents, all of whom were previously on the Louth County Council social housing list. Their move represents not just a new beginning for them but also a bold step forward in construction technology.
How Were These Homes Built?
Rather than traditional bricklaying, these homes were created using advanced 3D construction printing technology. A state-of-the-art 3D concrete printer was installed on a gantry, programmed to precisely lay down layers of concrete as per a digital design. This revolutionary process eliminated the need for conventional concrete blocks, instead constructing entire cavity walls from scratch.
The speed and efficiency of this method are remarkable. The printed structures took just 12 print days to complete, with a total on-site machine time of 18 working days. In total, the homes were built over a six-month period from May to November last year.
The Technology Behind It
The project utilised COBOD 3D construction printing technology, which streamlines the concrete laying process. The benefits? Faster build times, cost savings, improved structural integrity, and a more efficient use of resources.
According to Harcourt Technologies (HTL), the company behind the 3D printing, this method is 60% faster than the conventional 44-day concrete block approach. In total, the project required 132 working days, 35% less than the traditional 203-day timeframe. Even with these impressive efficiencies, the cost per home—€253,000 (excluding VAT)—remained on par with traditional construction methods.
A Collaborative Effort for a Brighter Future
This groundbreaking housing development at Grange Close was made possible through a strong partnership between Louth County Council, Harcourt Technologies (HTL), construction firm Roadstone, the Louth & Meath Education & Training Board (LMETB), and Harcourt Architects. Their collective efforts have paved the way for more efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable housing solutions.
Each of the three homes boasts a gross internal area of 110 square meters and an A2 energy rating, ensuring high energy efficiency and long-term sustainability for the families who will call them home.
A Vision for the Future
HTL’s Managing Director, Justin Kinsella, believes this project is just the beginning:
“At Harcourt Technologies, we’ve demonstrated the power of 3D printing to deliver high-quality, trusted concrete cavity wall construction with 60% faster build times and 35% reduced project delivery time. Thanks to our collaboration with Roadstone, we are ready to scale up this solution across Ireland and help address the urgent need for affordable, sustainable housing.”
Training and upskilling have also been a vital part of the process. The Louth & Meath Education & Training Board (LMETB) played a key role in equipping workers with the necessary skills in 3D construction printing technology. Chief Executive of LMETB, Martin O’Brien, emphasized the significance of this innovation:
“The Grange Close project is a perfect example of what can be achieved when forward-thinking ideas meet collaborative efforts. We’re proud to be part of this pioneering initiative, which not only provides essential housing but also prepares workers for the future of construction.”
A Milestone for Housing in Ireland
Louth County Council CEO, David Conway, echoed these sentiments, stating that the success of the project was made possible by the seamless collaboration between all partners involved. He reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to providing high-quality, sustainable housing for the community.
Councillor Kevin Callan, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, called the project a “landmark moment” for County Louth:
“Our local authority continues to lead the way in housing development, exceeding targets and embracing innovation. This project serves as a model for future housing initiatives across the country. At a time when the demand for housing is rising, we are making real progress and reinforcing Louth’s reputation as a great place to live, work, and thrive.”
Looking Ahead
As these three families settle into their brand-new 3D printed homes, they are not just moving into houses but into a future where construction is faster, more sustainable, and more affordable. The success of the Grange Close project sets the stage for more groundbreaking developments in Ireland and beyond.
Could 3D printing be the key to solving Ireland’s housing crisis? If this project is anything to go by, the future of homebuilding has just taken a giant leap forward.
