First houses built using 3D construction technology completed in Louth

Three two-storey, three-bedroom terraced units, each with an internal area of 110sq m, delivered for local families

One of the houses in Grange Close, Dundalk, that was constructed using 3D construction technology. Photograph: Brandon Schuster
One of the houses in Grange Close, Dundalk, that was constructed using 3D construction technology. Photograph: Brandon Schuster

The first residential housing development constructed using 3D construction technology has been completed in Dundalk, Co Louth.

Three two-storey, three-bedroom terraced units, each with a gross internal area of 110sq m, have been delivered for Louth County Council. Three families previously on the local authority housing list are to be housed in the properties.

The development at Grange Close in Dundalk is the culmination of a partnership between Louth County Council, Harcourt Technologies, Roadstone, Louth & Meath Education & Training Board (LMETB) and Harcourt Architects.

The houses are built using COBOD 3D construction printing technology that automates the concrete–laying process, resulting in time and cost savings, improved structural integrity, and the more efficient use of resources.

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The interior of one of the homes on Grange Close.
The interior of one of the homes on Grange Close.

The A2-rated homes are BCaR compliant and received certificates of compliance from Louth County Council in December.

Harcourt Technologies managing director Justin Kinsella said the group had “successfully demonstrated the benefits of the technology in delivering a traditional and trusted concrete cavity wall construction with remarkable efficiency”.

He said the walls were built 60 per cent faster than conventional methods, while the technology reduced 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,” he said.

Construction of the three houses began on May 22nd and was completed on November 28th.

B&C Contractors led the building works for the project. The printed superstructures were achieved in 12 days, with a total machine on-site time of 18 working days.

Roadstone commercial manager Paddy Diviney said the company was “delighted to see the launch of this project, and very happy for the families who are now moving into Irelands first 3D printed homes”.

LMETB provided training and upskilling to workers in 3D construction printing technology.

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

Colin Gleeson

Colin Gleeson

Colin Gleeson is an Irish Times reporter