MVULE GARDENS, AFRICA’S LARGEST 3D-PRINTED AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECT

By Eamonn Ryan

Mvule Gardens, a new neighbourhood on the Kenyan coast, is to spring into existence, in record time, thanks to a world beating 3D printing technology.

Africa’s largest 3D-printed affordable housing project, the 52 house Mvule Gardens project is located in Kilifi town, north of Mombasa in Kenya. The IFC-EDGE advanced sustainable design certified project, forms part of an ambition to develop resource-efficient buildings that are affordable, safe, well-located and reliable for communities across Africa.

This project is part of a larger initiative by 14Trees, a joint venture between LafargeHolcim and the UK’s CDC Group, to address Africa’s housing crisis through innovative construction methods. The project utilises Holcim’s proprietary TectorPrint ink combined with COBOD’s BOD2 robotic 3D construction printer to produce 52 homes. This method not only reduces the environmental impact by cutting down CO₂ emissions but also significantly enhances the efficiency of concrete use, lowering the carbon footprint compared to traditional construction methods.

The complex has been purpose-designed by the US-Africa-based architectural firm MASS Design Group, which seeks to provide modern and replicable housing units adapted to the needs of underserved communities among lower-income households.

This project is a crucial part of Kenya’s broader infrastructure development, aligning with President Kenyatta’s ‘Big 4’ agenda, which emphasises increasing affordable housing in the region. The use of 3D printing technology here is a testament to the evolving role of concrete in modern construction, especially in developing regions where sustainability and cost-efficiency are critical concerns.

14Trees to build largest 3D printed affordable housing project in Kenya

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

14Trees first embarked upon its mission to build affordable and low-carbon housing and schools in Africa last year, starting with a prototype house in Lilongwe, and a school in Salima, Malawi. Completed in July, the Salima school is reportedly the world’s first 3D printed school and has already welcomed students through its doors. The walls of 14Trees’ first prototype house were built in Lilongwe in just 12 hours, compared to almost four days using conventional methods. The walls of its first school, built in Salima, were printed in just 18 hours, as opposed to several days.

The project in Malawi relied on local 14Trees teams trained by Holcim and COBOD, the 3D printing specialists. The teams included 3D machine operators, architects, civil and structural engineers and materials specialists. The project also involved nearly forty people in the preparation of the 3D ink and in the construction with building trades such as carpenters, roofers and painters.

Now, 14Trees is extending its 3D printed affordable housing project to Kenya as it continues to support Africa’s construction sector and develop 3D printing technology across the continent.

TectorPrint gives the 3D printed walls the structural function to bear the load of the building, while the BOD2 is capable of printing concrete structures up to 10 meters in length and width, and three meters in height.

COBOD’s robotic construction 3D printers have previously been deployed for several high-profile 3D printing projects, including the first 3D printed commercial apartment building in Germany, and the first ‘record-tall’ 10m concrete wind turbine tower base alongside LafargeHolcim and GE Renewable Energy.

14Trees ability to provide a rapid and economical method of solving Africa’s housing deficit will also help to create locally-based skilled jobs within sustainability and 3D technology, as well as other areas.

The project has won the IFC-EDGE advanced sustainable design certification, which recognises resource-efficient and zero-carbon buildings, with construction having started in the first quarter of 2022.

Using proprietary Holcim ink, this innovative 3D printing process will significantly reduce the time and cost of building housing and schools in Malawi.  According to 14Trees, this infrastructure gap could be bridged in just ten years using 3D printing.