Printing houses in Africa: BII-backed 14Trees launches 3D printer for construction

14Trees, a joint venture between Holcim and British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor, today announced the launch of its new construction-ready 3D printer, Iroko. The innovative technology improves construction speed, cost, and flexibility – scaling up digital automation to build affordable housing, education infrastructure and commercial real estate worldwide.

The printer’s aluminium frame is quick to assemble and light yet robust – meaning it can be mounted without cranes, and stored in a compact container, making transportation and deployment rapid and efficient. The 14Trees printer specialises in single to two-storey residential and commercial applications and does not need extensions to take smarter construction to the next level.

Abhinav Sinha, managing director and head of technology and telecoms at BII said, “We are thrilled by the ground-breaking milestone that 14Trees has achieved to innovate 3D construction methods in Africa. This latest innovation will help to increase the availability of affordable housing, which is urgently needed on the continent, and also to decarbonise the construction sector. This goes to the heart of our mandate which is to create productive, sustainable and inclusive outcomes and improve the lives of people in Africa.”

14Trees has delivered the world’s first 3D-printed schools in Malawi and Madagascar; the walls of these projects were printed in less than 18 hours. Building on a track record of speed and progress, 14Trees is currently building a 52-house complex in Kenya, which underscores the company’s forward plan to drive innovation in construction and further develop 3D printing technology in developing economies.

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