3D Printed Houses in Africa: Meet the Companies Leading the Revolution

The landscape of African housing is witnessing a revolutionary transformation with the emergence of 3D Printed Houses. This innovative technology, which seemed like a distant dream a few years ago, is now a tangible reality reshaping the future of construction on the continent. 3D Printed Houses represent a significant leap forward in addressing housing challenges, offering a unique blend of speed, efficiency, and sustainability.

These aren’t your typical homes, they are the first of their kind in the region, constructed through groundbreaking 3D concrete printing technology. As we explore this burgeoning domain, we’ll look at some 3D printing technology companies that are not just creating homes but are also forging a new path in sustainable and affordable housing solutions in Africa. This technology’s impact extends beyond construction, it’s a pivotal shift in how we approach housing development, promising a new era of accessibility and eco-friendly living.

14 Trees

14 Trees unveiled their cutting-edge 3D printer, Iroko, a marvel of engineering made in Johannesburg by Pan Mixers South Africa. Iroko, notable for its lightweight aluminum frame and ease of assembly, uses a special concrete developed by Holcim. This innovation not only promises cost efficiency but also significantly reduces CO2 emissions, making it a sustainable choice in the construction industry.

François Perrot, managing director of 14 Trees, shares the vision of the company: constructing homes efficiently while reducing costs and environmental impact. With Iroko, 14 Trees can construct a house’s walls in just half a week, completing the entire building process in about a month – a testament to the speed and efficiency of 3D printing in construction.

COBOD International

Angola’s housing market is witnessing a revolution, thanks to Power2Build and their use of COBOD’s BOD2 construction printer. Their recent project, a 140 m2 house, was printed 4.5 times faster than their initial venture, showcasing significant advancements in productivity and design possibilities. This is more than a technical achievement; it’s a step towards addressing the critical housing shortage in Angola.

COBOD International, a dominant force in Africa’s 3D construction printing market, is making waves with its technology. Having printed buildings across Malawi, Madagascar, Kenya, and Angola, COBOD’s solutions are being recognized for their efficiency and sustainability. Their D.fab concrete solution, in collaboration with CEMEX, has revolutionized printing with real concrete, offering up to 90% cost savings.

CyBe Construction 

In South Africa, CyBe Construction and the South African Housing & Infrastructure Fund (SAHIF) are joining forces to tackle the housing crisis. Their partnership aims to print 50 homes in a Johannesburg township, demonstrating the potential of 3D printing in creating affordable, high-quality housing rapidly. This venture not only addresses the housing deficit but also aligns with the United Nations’ goals for sustainable urban development.

The rise of 3D Printed Houses in Africa marks a new chapter in the continent’s construction narrative. As this technology continues to evolve, it promises to reshape the landscape of African housing, making it more accessible, affordable, and environmentally friendly. The future of construction is here, and it’s being printed one layer at a time.