14 Trees, a joint venture between Swiss building material company Holcim and UK’s CDC Group has announced the commencement of Africa’s largest 3D-printed affordable housing project in Kenya dubbed Mvule Gardens.
This will utilize Holcim’s proprietary ink, TectorPrint, with the local subsidiary, Bamburi Cement introducing the innovative building material in the market.
Permanent Secretary in the State Department for Housing and Urban Development Charles Hinga noted that the project will benefit both the planet and the house owner through the reduction of carbon emissions during construction and lowering the water and energy costs in the running of the home.
“In line with the Affordable Housing Programme, and given the effects of climate change being experienced the world over, this project is indeed timely and opportune having achieved EDGE Advanced Certification.”
The new building technology is said to be quick in the completion of houses aiming to move the country towards its target of delivering 500,000 units in five years under the government’s Big 4’s Affordable Housing Project.
“We are excited to be building one of the world’s largest 3D-printed affordable housing projects in Kenya. The Government of Kenya has made huge efforts to accelerate the development of Affordable Housing in Kenya,” Colm Halley, General Manager 14 Trees Kenya said.
The project will give the walls a structural function to bear the load of the building. The company expects this breakthrough will accelerate the scale-up of 3D printing for affordable housing.
The Mvule Gardens in Kilifi is part of the Green Heart of Kenya regenerative ecosystem, a model for inclusive and climate-resilient cities.
Its advanced sustainability profile won an IFC-EDGE Advanced sustainable design certification, which recognizes resource-efficient and zero-carbon buildings.
The Mvule Gardens housing complex will offer 1 bed, 2 bed and 3 bed units starting at Ksh2.46m in a low density gated community project close to Kilifi Town.
