Africa’s largest 3D-printed housing project

Holcim has announced Africa’s largest 3D-printed affordable housing project in Kenya, the Mvule Gardens housing complex

Holcim has announced Africa’s largest 3D-printed affordable housing project in Kenya, the Mvule Gardens housing complex.

According to Holcim, the project was made possible by the company’s proprietary ink, TectorPrint, giving the walls structural function to bear the load of the building. It is hoped that this breakthrough will accelerate the scale-up of 3D printing for affordable housing.

Jan Jenisch, CEO of Holcim, said, “We are excited to be building one of the world’s largest 3D-printed affordable housing projects in Kenya. 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.

3D printing can help address a lack of affordable housing

“By deploying 3D printing, we can address this infrastructure gap at scale to increase living standards for all.”

The Mvule Gardens in Kilifi, Kenya, is one of the largest 3D-printed affordable housing projects in the world. It 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 recognises resource-efficient and zero-carbon buildings.

Holcim is working on the project with 14Trees in partnership with CDC Group.