3D construction to accelerate affordable housing goals

Africa’s largest 3D-printed affordable housing project launched in Kenya

The initial 52-house complex in Kilifi delivers affordable and climate-resilient housing at scale

Bamburi Cement to supply the Tector range of mortar products to accelerate 3D printing for affordable housing

14 Trees, a joint venture between Holcim and CDC Group, has announced the commencement of Africa’s largest 3D-printed affordable housing project in Kenya – called Mvule Gardens. The development will start early 2022.

The project will utilize Holcim’s proprietary ink, TectorPrint which the local subsidiary, Bamburi Cement, will introduce in the market soon. The Tector range gives the 3D printed walls structural function to bear the load of the building.

Speaking during the unveil of the 3D printed show house in Athi River, Mr. Charles Hinga, the PS in the State Department for Housing and Urban Development said: “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. This is evidence 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. I also note that the cost of construction per square meter is reasonable, between Kshs 30,000 to Kshs 31,000 per sqm, thus lowering the sale price per square meter”.

Charles Hinga (centre) the Principal Secretary in the State Department for Housing and Urban Development unveils the 3D printed house in Kenya located at Bamburi Cement Special Products Plant in Athi River. Dr. John Simba (Left), the Chairman Bamburi Cement and Colm Halley (right), the General Manager of 14trees Kenya looking on.

The Government has set an ambitious target of delivering 500,000 units in five years under the big four agenda namely the Affordable Housing Project (AHP). The futuristic 3D printing and smart design will move the country towards this target since house completion is faster – a wall can be built in just 12 hours compared to almost four days with conventional building techniques while also reducing the environmental footprint of a house by more than 50%.

Seddiq Hassani, the Managing Director of Bamburi Cement also noted: “As part of Bamburi’s commitment to supporting the Government of Kenya’s Big 4 Agenda on affordable housing, we are delighted to be supplying our innovative building materials for this truly ground-breaking project. The material to be used in Mvule Gardens is part of our soon to be launched Tector range of mortar products, reaffirming our commitment to offering the Kenyan market with the highest quality, most innovative and greenest building materials”.

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.

**(from R-L)** Colm Halley, the General Manager of 14trees Kenya chats with Dr. John Simba, the Chairman Bamburi Cement, Charles Hinga, the Principal Secretary in the State Department for Housing and Urban Development and Will Buchman of CDC Group about 3D construction technology. In the background is the 3D printed house built at Bamburi Cement Special Products Plant in Athi River.

Colm Halley, General Manager 14 Trees Kenya: “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. 14Trees is committed to using innovative technology to support this, with houses that have a lower carbon footprint than traditional methods. The announcement of Mvule Gardens and the inauguration of the show house in Nairobi are an extremely exciting step to deliver beautiful affordable, eco-friendly homes in Kenya.”

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.