14Trees, a joint venture between Holcim and British International Investment (BII), launches its new construction-ready 3D printer, Iroko.
Ever since the joint venture has been created, it has been relying on a COBOD 3D printer to achieve its numerous projects across Africa. After gaining hands-on experience on the ground, the company joined forces with Pan Mixers South Africa (PMSA®), one of the largest manufacturers of a complete range of concrete and construction equipment to design and manufacture Iroko.
François Perrot, Managing Director, 14Trees said in a video that with the experience gained on the ground, they have been dreaming about their ideal 3D printer and Iroko is the materialisation of this dream today.
Key features of Iroko
Iroko’s mobility and optimised assembly are key tenets of the revolutionary design by 14Trees. 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.
Iroko is equipped with a unique multi-laser system controlling the print quality 50 times per second to improve the overall performance of the end-product and enhance operator safety. The new design is fitted with a material preparation and feed system, compatible with Holcim’s ink, TectorPrint, and 14Trees’ growing range of low-carbon inks, which lowers a building’s carbon footprint by up to 70 percent compared to traditional processes.
 According to 14Trees, this approach would reduce CO2 emissions typical to standard methods of cement production, contributing to the achievement of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals on Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9) and Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11).
The next step for 14Trees
As a reminder, 14Trees already delivered the first 3D-printed schools in Malawi and Madagascar; the walls of these projects were printed in less than 18 hours. It is also currently building a 52-house complex in Kenya.
The 14Trees printer is designed to deliver a competitive commercial solution for contractors in multiple markets – enabling long-term investment into the automated construction space. Iroko empowers the building of the world’s critical infrastructure and forms part of 14Trees’ plan to facilitate action with buildings that bring people together in a climate-resilient and inclusive way. The 14Trees printer will be delivered in Q4 2023, the company said.
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