A printer intended for use in Africa has been launched by a joint venture between Swiss cement maker Holcim and the UK government’s British International Investment (BII) agency.
14Trees says its Iroko printer has good speed, flexibility, scale and costs, and is able to build on almost any terrain.
The printer is fitted with a material preparation and feed system that is compatible with a range of low-carbon “inks” that, according to 14Trees, lowers a “building’s carbon footprint by up to 70% compared with traditional processes”.
It specialises in one and two-storey residential and commercial structures, and is equipped with a multi-laser system that controls quality and safety.
Abhinav Sinha, BII’s managing director, said: “We are thrilled by the milestone that 14Trees has achieved to innovate 3D construction methods in Africa. This latest innovation will help to increase the availability of affordable housing, which is urgently needed on the continent, and also to decarbonise the construction sector.
“This goes to the heart of our mandate which is to create productive, sustainable and inclusive outcomes and improve the lives of people in Africa.”
Delivery of Iroko is due to start in the last quarter of 2023.
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