The construction of the largest 3D-printed housing project in Africa will soon get underway in the Kenyan town of Kilifi.
The 52-house Mvule Gardens complex is being built by cement giant, Holcim, through the 14Trees joint venture company it operates with CDC Group, the UK Government’s impact investor. The development is part of the innovative Green Heart of Kenya regenerative ecosystem focused on creating ‘inclusive and climate-resilient cities’.
“We are excited to be building one of the world’s largest 3D-printed affordable housing projects in Kenya,” said Jan Jenisch, CEO Holcim. “With today’s rapid urbanisation, over three billion people are expected to need affordable housing by 2030. This issue is most acute in Africa, with countries like Kenya already facing an estimated shortage of two million houses. By deploying 3D printing, we can address this infrastructure gap at scale to increase living standards for all.”
Designed by MASS Design Group, an American and African-based architecture firm, the homes will slash the carbon footprint made by a conventionally built house by more than 50%, according to Holcim, which haș a track record in this burgeoning area, having delivered the world’s first ever 3D-printed school in Malawi.
Tenbite Ermias, CDC Africa Managing Director, added: “14Trees is pioneering the use of leading edge technology to address one of Africa’s most pressing development needs – affordable housing – to create life-changing infrastructure for whole communities.”
