Three families move into Ireland’s first ‘space age’ 3D-printed homes

THREE families today became the first in Ireland to move into 3D printed homes.

The two-storey, three-bedroom terraced gaffs in Dundalk, Co Louth, were built using automated concrete printing technology.

Mum Shannon Norton was among the families receiving the keys for their 3D printed homes.

Shannon, who had been waiting 10 years for a pad, toasting housing building becoming automated.

She beamed: “It is just amazing, overwhelming really. I can’t believe it. I’m in shock still like.”

Developers boasted the “space age” tech reduces costs, speeds up construction and improves efficiency.

The homes were built over the course of six months, with the printing process completed in just 12 days.

Builders told how the construction of the houses involved the installation of a 3D concrete printer on a gantry, which was programmed to pipe concrete out following a digital plan.

It built cavity walls from scratch, without using concrete blocks.

The innovative project was delivered through a partnership between Louth County Council and Irish construction technology company Harcourt Technologies (HTL), as well as construction firm Roadstone, the Louth & Meath Education & Training Board and Harcourt Architects.

Three families from Louth County Council’s housing list moved into the units at Grange Close in Dundalk today. And officials today insisted 3D printed homes can help solve Ireland’s housing crisis.

Justin Kinsella, Managing Director of HTL, says the history-making scheme shows how the tech can transform housing delivery.

TECH BENEFITS

He said: “At Harcourt Technologies we have successfully demonstrated the benefits of the technology in delivering a traditional and trusted concrete cavity wall construction, with remarkable efficiency - 60 per cent faster than conventional methods and reducing the overall project delivery by 35 per cent.

“Thanks to our partnership with Roadstone, we’re now positioned to scale up this solution across Ireland and help contribute to the much-needed supply of cost-effective, and sustainable housing throughout the country.”

Officials revealed the printed structures were achieved in 12 print days, with a total machine on-site time of 18 working days.

HTL highlighted that this is 60 per cent faster than the traditional 44-day concrete block method.

The total working days for the project amounted to 132 - resulting in a 35 per cent saving compared to the 203 days required for traditional construction.

BUILD COST

The company put the construction cost of each home at around €253,000 excluding VAT, which equates to existing traditional construction costs.

Each of the three A2-rated three two-storey, three-bedroom terraced units each boast an internal area of 110 square meters.

It begins with a digital model of the buildings being passed on the 3D printer which begins to lay down layers of the construction material.

DONE IN MINUTES

Each layer took 18 minutes to lap the three-house block in Louth.

The printed structures in Dundalk were completed in 12 days of printing, with the 3D machine working on-site for a total of 18 days.

The Louth & Meath Education & Training Board provided training and upskilling to workers in 3D construction printing technology.

Martin O’Brien, chief Executive of the LMETB and the Advanced Training and Manufacturing Centre of Excellence, lifted the lid on the “collaborative effort” behind the ground-breaking gaffs.

O’Brien explained: “The Grange Close project is a testament to what can be achieved when forward-thinking ideas and collaborative efforts come together.

“We are proud to play a central role in delivering Ireland’s first 3D printed homes, which will provide much-needed social housing to families in Louth.”

'IMPRESSIVE BUILD DURATION'

Louth County Council CEO David Conway also maintained the project could only have been achieved by all of the organisations involved working together.

Conway said: “The quality of the units and the impressive build duration are a testament to the successful collaboration between Louth County Council, HTL.tech, the LMETB, Roadstone Ltd and Harcourt Architects.

“The provision of high-quality, sustainable housing remains a key objective for Louth County Council, and this project demonstrates how innovation and partnership can help us achieve that goal.”

Councillor Kevin Callan, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, believes 3D printed houses will help the local authority meet its housing delivery targets.

And Cllr Callan believes similar schemes will now be rolled out across the country.

'LANDMARK DAY'

He said: “This is a landmark day for County Louth. Our local authority continues to lead the way in housing development, surpassing targets and delivering homes through innovation.

“I have no doubt this project will serve as a model for similar initiatives across the country. I extend my gratitude to all involved, particularly our housing section, management team, and the housing directorate.

“At a time of increasing housing demand, we are making real progress, further solidifying Louth’s reputation as a prime location to live, work, and thrive.”

Gary Meneely, Published: 6 Feb 2025

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