The company behind the project is a for-profit startup called 14 Trees. However, in 2020 it pivoted to 3D printed buildings, initially using a printer from another manufacturer to construct houses and schools in Africa. This year, 14 Trees announced the launch of its own 3D printing technology, manufactured in Johannesburg by a local outfit called Pan Mixers South Africa. The newly introduced 3D concrete printer, named Iroko, utilises a special concrete – made by 14 Trees’ investor Holcim – to build structures layer by layer. 14 Trees claims its method can reduce a building’s carbon footprint by up to 70% in comparison to traditional processes.

Source: The North Africa Journal November 23, 2023 16:09 UTC