14Trees: 3D Printing Solutions for Africa’s Housing and Education Crisis
Innovative joint venture delivers sustainable, affordable housing and schools using advanced 3D printing technology, addressing critical infrastructure needs in African countries.
Key Points
• 14Trees built the world’s first 3D-printed school in Malawi, addressing a shortage of 36,000 classrooms
• Completed Africa’s largest 3D-printed affordable housing project with 52 houses in Kenya
• Technology reduces construction time by up to 70% and CO2 emissions by up to 70%
• Aims to tackle Africa’s housing deficit, estimated at 51 million units across the continent
14Trees, a joint venture between Holcim and British International Investment, is revolutionizing African construction by 3D printing entire schools in just 18 hours and rapidly scaling up to build 52-house communities, addressing critical housing and education shortages across the continent.
In Malawi’s Salima district, 14Trees constructed the world’s first 3D-printed school, with walls printed in just 18 hours. This breakthrough could revolutionize the country’s education infrastructure, potentially addressing Malawi’s classroom shortage of 36,000 units in just 10 years, compared to the 70 years it would take using traditional construction methods.
Building on this success, 14Trees completed Mvule Gardens in Kilifi, Kenya – Africa’s largest 3D-printed affordable housing project to date. This development of 52 houses not only demonstrates the scalability of the technology but also achieved IFC EDGE Advanced certification for its impressive sustainability features.
Africa’s Housing Shortage
The urgency of these projects cannot be overstated. According to the United Nations Human Settlements Programme, 3 billion people worldwide will need access to adequate housing by 2030. In Africa, the situation is particularly dire, with an estimated housing deficit of 51 million units across the continent. Kenya alone faces a housing shortage of 2 million units.
Traditional construction methods have proven inadequate to meet this growing demand, both in terms of speed and environmental impact. Buildings account for 38% of global CO2 emissions, with 30% occurring during the construction phase. This is where 14Trees’ innovative approach offers a game-changing solution.
By the Numbers: The Impact of 3D Printing in Construction
| Goal | Value |
|---|---|
|
Reduction in construction time |
Up to 70% |
|
Decrease in CO2 emissions |
Up to 70% |
|
Time to print walls of a house |
12 hours |
|
Time to print walls of a school |
18 hours |
|
Trees saved per house built using Durabric |
14 |
The 3D Printing Solution
14Trees leverages Holcim’s TectorPrint, a cement-based ink specifically designed for 3D printing construction. The process involves designing buildings optimized for 3D printing, using mobile 3D printers to extrude layers of TectorPrint, rapidly constructing walls and structures on-site, and finishing buildings with conventional methods for roofs, windows, and doors.
François Perrot, Managing Director of 14Trees, explains: “With 3D printing, you can solve two problems at once. You can build faster and with better cost efficiency, which will help make affordable housing a reality for the majority. In addition, you can build with less materials, which preserves the resources of the planet for future generations.”
The impact of 14Trees extends beyond just providing shelter and classrooms. The technology is creating new, highly-skilled jobs as local workers are trained as 3D machine assistants and specialists.
Future Opportunities and Challenges
The success of 14Trees points to a promising future for construction in Africa and beyond. The company is actively exploring opportunities to replicate its successes in other parts of Africa and Europe, potentially revolutionizing the construction industry in regions facing similar housing challenges.
Technological advancements continue to drive the potential of 3D-printed construction, with new printers capable of building structures over 10 meters long, expanding the possibilities for larger and more complex buildings.
However, scaling up operations presents its own set of challenges. These include the need for significant investment in equipment and training, as well as navigating different regulatory environments across countries. The technology is still in its early stages, and further research and development are needed to address issues such as durability, long-term performance, and adaptability to various climatic conditions.
Despite its potential, 3D-printed construction faces several barriers to widespread adoption in Africa. These include limited access to the necessary technology and materials in many areas, particularly in rural regions.
There’s also a need for updated building codes and regulations to accommodate this new construction method. Additionally, cultural acceptance of 3D-printed homes may vary, as people may be skeptical of new construction techniques.
Furthermore, while 3D printing can significantly reduce construction time and labor costs, the initial investment in printers and specialized materials can be prohibitive for many African countries and communities. This could limit the technology’s immediate impact on solving the continent’s housing crisis, particularly in low-income areas where the need is often greatest.
As 14Trees and similar initiatives continue to develop and refine 3D printing technology for construction, addressing these challenges will be crucial. Collaboration between technology providers, governments, and local communities will be essential to realize the full potential of this innovative approach to solving Africa’s housing needs. While the road ahead may be complex, the promise of faster, more sustainable, and affordable housing construction offers hope for millions in need of adequate shelter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is 3D-printed construction?
3D-printed construction uses large-scale printers to extrude layers of specialized concrete or other materials to form the walls and structures of buildings.
2. How much faster is 3D-printed construction compared to traditional methods?
3D printing can reduce construction time by up to 70% compared to conventional techniques.
3. Are 3D-printed buildings environmentally friendly?
Yes, 3D-printed buildings can produce up to 70% less CO2 emissions compared to traditional construction methods.
4. Where has 14Trees completed projects?
14Trees has completed projects in several African countries, including Malawi, Kenya, and Madagascar.
5. Can 3D-printed buildings meet safety and durability standards?
Yes, 3D-printed buildings are designed to meet local building codes and standards for safety and durability.
Sources
1. Holcim. (2022, May 10). 14Trees: Where innovation meets impact. https://www.holcim.com/14trees-where-innovation-meets-impact
2. CleanTechnica. (2022). Holcim’s 14Trees Delivers Largest 3D-Printed Affordable Housing Project, & It Is In Kenya! https://cleantechnica.com/2022/04/30/holcims-14trees-delivers-largest-3d-printed-affordable-housing-project-it-is-in-kenya/
3. UN Habitat. (2020). World Cities Report 2020: The Value of Sustainable Urbanization. https://unhabitat.org/World%20Cities%20Report%202020
4. African Development Bank Group. (2021). Africa’s housing finance markets continue to grow, despite Covid-19 challenges. https://www.afdb.org/en/news-and-events/africas-housing-finance-markets-continue-grow-despite-covid-19-challenges-46891
