World’s largest 3D-printed affordable housing project launches in Kenya

The affordable housing crisis in Kenya is a serious issue, with over 20% of the population living in slums and 90% of urban residents renting their homes at high prices. In response, a joint venture between Holcim and OCD Group, called 14Trees, has created an eco-friendly and affordable construction material called Durabric and is using 3D printing technology to build the world’s largest affordable housing complex, Mvule Gardens, in Kilifi. The first 10 houses have already been printed using just one 3D printer, and each house’s walls were built in 18 or 28 hours. The cost of the 3D-printed houses starts at $38,000. While lower-cost 3D-printed houses offer hope to those who cannot afford traditionally built homes, those living in extreme poverty may require significant government investment to provide safe housing. However, 14Trees’ initiative offers a promising solution to the affordable housing crisis in Kenya.