CDC Group
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Having completed the world's first 3D-printed school in Malawi, 14Trees now hopes to carry out similar projects in Kenya and Zimbabwe
CDC Group
Through pioneering projects in Mexico, China, Texas and elsewhere, we're starting to see how 3D printing can make building construction a whole lot more cost effective. An affordable housing venture in Africa named 14Trees has now leveraged the technology to produce the world's first 3D-printed school in Malawi, where students started taking their first lessons late last month.
14Trees is a joint effort between the UK's CDC Group and construction multinational LafargeHolcim, and is looking to help address housing shortages in Africa. As we've seen with other 3D-printed construction projects, the team uses a large extruder to form the walls of structures before the finishing touches, like windows, doors, roofing and various fittings, are added by skilled workers.