Future Local Lab
Local Government ExplainedLouth County Council delivers Ireland’s first 3D-printed houses
Louth County Council
The first residential housing development constructed using 3D Construction Technology has been completed by Louth County Council at Grange Close, Muirhevnamore in Dundalk. In this article, Louth County Council unpacks their 3D Concrete Printing Housing project.
The first residential housing development constructed using 3D Construction Technology has been completed by Louth County Council at Grange Close, Muirhevnamore in Dundalk. In this article, Louth County Council unpacks their 3D Concrete Printing (3DCP) Housing project.
The first residential housing development constructed using 3D Construction Technology has been completed by Louth County Council at Grange Close, Muirhevnamore in Dundalk. This new development consists of three A2-rated, two-storey, three-bedroom terraced houses, each with a gross internal area of 110m². This innovative pilot project is the result of a collaboration between Louth County Council, Irish construction technology company HTL.tech, the Louth & Meath Education and Training Board (LMETB), Roadstone Ltd., Harcourt Architects and B&C Building Contractors.
The Louth County Council-owned site at Grange Close Dundalk was chosen as the location for the proposed housing scheme due to it being zoned as “A1 Existing Residential” in the Louth County Development Plan (2021- 2027) and due to its close proximity to shops, schools and other such amenities. The 3DCP Housing project was managed by Louth County Council – Housing Capital Section and the main contractor was Harcourt Technologies Ltd. Construction began on site on May 22nd 2024 and was completed on November 29th 2024.
Grange Close, Dundalk – Site before Construction Works
Source: Louth County Council
Grange Close, Dundalk – Site after 3D Concrete Printed Housing completed
Source: Louth County Council
Additive Construction technology
The 3DCP Housing project showcases the effectiveness of Additive Construction (AC) technology, which reduced construction timelines by over 35%. The printed superstructures were achieved in 12 print days, with a total machine on-site time of 18 working days, including setup, scaffolding, floor joists, and machine disassembly. The Certificate of Compliance on Completion from Louth County Council Building Control highlights the project’s adherence to all relevant regulations and standards, further validating the safety and quality of this innovative construction method. By automating concrete laying with advanced COBOD International 3D printers and using Roadstone Ready-Mix Concrete (RMC), HTL.tech improved the construction timeline by about 60%. This efficiency demonstrates the potential of 3DCP as a solution for affordable housing projects, where high demand requires faster building methods. Each home was designed and built in accordance with Irish Building Regulations, and in conformity with the new standard for Additive Construction I.S. EN ISO/ASTM 52939:2023.
This project has received the ‘Standards Innovation Award’ from the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) for adhering to the I.S. EN ISO/ASTM 52939:2023 Additive Construction standard, which ensures quality and safety in additive manufacturing for construction.
The completion of the 3DCP Housing project exemplifies HTL.tech’s vision for the future of construction. It combines cutting-edge Additive Construction technology with Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) to effectively address Ireland’s housing challenges. Utilising 3D Construction Printing is a pivotal advancement that aligns with the Government’s goal of employing MMC to achieve its Housing for All objectives.
Grange Close, Dundalk – 3DCP Printing Process on site
Source: Louth County Council
Source: Louth County Council
The new houses at Grange Close were completed on the 29th November 2024. An official opening event took place at Grange Close on 6th February 2025, attended by Louth County Council Chief Executive, David Conway and An Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, Cllr Kevin Callan. Members of the three successful families from Louth County Council’s housing list were also in attendance for the official launch and subsequently moved into these homes, marking a significant milestone as the first residents of 3D concrete printed homes in Ireland or the UK.
Grange Close, Dundalk – Official launch of the 3DCP houses
Source: Louth County Council
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