Two Donegal men are leading the way on helping create a housing development built using 3D Construction Printing Technology in Manchester.
Paul Kelly from Letterkenny and Richard Mullin from Ballybofey are two of the directors of the Irish company, Harcourt Technologies, who are providing the 3D construction printing technology.
The £6m scheme, to be built in Accrington, Lancashire, will house homeless veterans and low-income families in 46 eco homes that can eachbe ‘printed’ in weeks.
The housing development in Charter Street, Accrington, is backed by Accrington Council with the assistance of the homeless charity ‘Building for Humanity’.
The Building for Humanity social purpose model is redefining how affordable homes are constructed and delivered – maximising human well-being and fulfilment over profit.
Based on a shared belief and the positive opportunity that 3D Construction Printing (3DCP) technology can offer in achieving greater affordability, sustainability and efficiency within the housing sector, the delivery of the project is being supported by Harcourt Technologies Ltd.
Harcourt Technologies are the leading provider of 3DCP technology in the UK and Ireland. HTL’s team, comprising of architects, engineers, material scientists and construction technologists, has been quietly developing and testing the technology over the past 18 months in preparation for its commercial roll-out in both the UK and Ireland.
In addition to the development of 46 eco homes, which will be a mix of 1 and 2-bedroom apartments and 3 and 4-bedroom houses, the plans also include a community centre and training hub, as well as private and communal gardens to create a living and thriving community.
The proposed development will be the first 3DCP residential project in the UK, and when completed the largest such development in Europe. It will demonstrate the benefits that 3DCP technology can bring in terms of cost, time, quality, and sustainability, and offers an innovative solution to help tackle the housing crisis.
The Charter Street development will transform an area of disused land into a community of high quality, affordable, net zero carbon eco homes, creating a 100% affordable housing development for low-income families, veterans, and people at risk of, or experiencing homelessness.