Aluminium-framed Iroko 3D printer expected to reduce carbon footprint of buildings by 70%

Iroko 3D construction printers from 14Trees are the outcome of the joint venture between Holcim and the UK governmental development finance institution British International Investment (BII). The new construction-ready three-dimensional 3D printer features an aluminium frame, making it easy to assemble and install without cranes.

The 3D printer is outfitted with a multi-laser system that controls print quality 50 times per second to optimise end-product performance and operator safety. The new design includes a material preparation and feed system that is compatible with Holcim's ink, TectorPrint's low-carbon inks, and 14Trees' increasing line of low-carbon inks, which they claim reduces a building's carbon footprint by up to 70 per cent when compared to conventional techniques.

This process minimises the carbon dioxide emissions associated with traditional cement manufacturing methods. It helps accomplish the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals for industry, innovation, and infrastructure (SDG 9) and sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11).

“Construction 3D printing brings a transformative impact to people's lives. However, maximising the scale of impact requires a new generation of technological advancement. Iroko introduces performance advantages that enable multistorey construction and building with more reliability and mobility, thereby opening up global access to state-of-the-art construction methods no matter the terrain," the JV partners said.

14Trees' 3D printing technology is transforming the future of construction, expediting the production and delivery of sustainable structures. 14Trees, which began in Africa and is now expanding globally, contributes to developing social infrastructure, affordable housing, schools, and workplaces that increase well-being, boost livelihoods, and unite people.

14Trees is dedicated to lowering building carbon footprints by digitally optimising material use via a comprehensive climate monitoring system that measures and captures the ambient environment to provide the operator with actionable information during printing and in-depth data for retrospective analysis to improve the next build.

14Trees has also built the world's first 3D-printed schools in Malawi and Madagascar. These projects' walls were printed in less than 18 hours. The JV is now constructing a 52-house complex in Kenya, demonstrating the company's intention to push construction innovation and further develop 3D printing technology in emerging countries.

Iroko is being developed to improve construction speed, cost, and flexibility while scaling up digital automation to build resilient and affordable housing, education infrastructure, and commercial real estate globally. According to the company, the printers' portability and optimum assembly are essential elements of 14Trees' design.

“As the global infrastructure sector experiences an industrial revolution, the construction space is under more pressure to boost performance, work towards a net-zero future, and fulfil the needs of an evolving real estate and housing sector. Our 14Trees printer is a robust solution to maintain affordability and deliver on structural performance. We’re enhancing the sustainability and profitability of 3D printing for construction, which is a sector positioned for yield and growth,” said 14Trees MD François Perrot.