The UK’s first 3DCP housing project to be built in Accrington
The Charter Street project is being developed by Building for Humanity, using COBOD 3D printing technology supplied by HTL.tech
According to ITV News, the UK is expecting its first housing development – created using 3D construction printing (3DCP) technology – to be built in Lancashire. The eco-friendly homes, in Accrington, are expected to house homeless veterans and low-income families throughout 46 properties that can each be ‘printed’ in a matter of weeks.
The Charter Street project is being developed by Building for Humanity, a not-for-profit housing provider, that is aiming to help tackle the housing crisis by creating affordable housing for low-income families, veterans, and people at risk of, or experiencing, homelessness. The £6 million project will be the first 3DCP residential development in the UK and when completed, will be the largest in Europe.
The technology, provided by HTL.tech, the sole distributor of COBOD 3D construction printers and equipment within the UK, has been developed and tested over the past 18 months in preparation for its rollout. Its benefits include reducing labor costs, quicker construction, and waste reduction, as well as being an estimated 25% cheaper than comparable construction. In addition to the eco-homes, the project includes apartments and houses, as well as a community center, training hub, and gardens.
“Our aim is to ensure quality housing is accessible to everyone through our unique affordable housing model,” said Scott Moon, Founder of Building for Humanity. “The model is simple, to create a charitable housing institute that is driven by human fulfillment and wellbeing rather than profit.”
“All surplus profits go to our chosen charity partner, Homes for Humanity, meaning it goes into the community to provide housing, support, and training,” continued Scott Moon. “Ultimately this development is about so much more than housing, it is about people and giving them the opportunity to thrive.”
“Our core objective is to develop the use of 3DCP to create less wasteful and more sustainable building solutions which harness the benefits of advanced manufacturing technology to provide affordable, higher quality structures, faster and more reliably and in an environmentally beneficial manner,” said Justin Kinsella, CEO of HTL.tech – the company making the homes.
