Power2Build

The desire to impact society has always been there, but it was his passion for innovation that led Ricardo Almeida to Power2Build. The construction industry has witnessed the emergence of a new paradigm, based on an Angolan project that develops solutions to combat the housing crisis and, at the same time, guarantees sustainable works and the construction of environmentally friendly cities. The future is here.
Sustainable, low-cost housing is a growing need in Angola, but the traditional supply has not been able to keep up, either in terms of cost or speed. It is within this context that Power2Build has come into being, the technology company that has introduced 3D concrete printing to Africa, a cutting-edge construction method that prints structures more economically, quickly and affordably. «This project came into my life at just the right time, allowing me to combine my background in engineering and management with the transformative potential of 3D printing, leading a company that has the unique possibility of greatly improving Angola’s housing landscape,» says Ricardo, the company’s CEO. The team that prints dreams is composed of 26 employees, including engineers, architects and construction technicians. Ongoing training, with training programmes and opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to make a difference in a country with great potential are the reasons Ricardo Almeida gives for motivating his team. In fact, pioneering the construction of the first 3D printed house in Africa using conventional concrete is an incredible achievement, given the local conditions and the difficulty in adapting the technology. To make the project feasible they had to «create a recipe that allowed them to produce printable concrete made on site, since dry concrete, the material used until then in the 3D construction industry, wasn’t even produced in Angola,» he explains.

Pioneer in building the first 3D printed house in Africa

The process may seem simple, but it’s the innovation that makes it look that way. The construction method is based on a printing machine, which deposits successive layers of material, duly prepared for the Angolan climate. Row after row of concrete is poured until the height of the ceiling is reached. Throughout each stage, extensive tests are carried out to ensure the structural integrity and longevity of the construction. There are differences between traditional construction and 3D printing in terms of efficiency and sustainability. This new technology makes it possible to produce more complex and customised designs, as well as reducing construction time, labour costs and material waste.
Power2Build hits the market with more appealing cost savings and the added bonus of making it possible to reduce CO2 emissions. The versatility of the technology means it can be used for a variety of projects, from residential housing and warehouses to health centres and public facilities. «Our aim is not only to revolutionise the construction industry, but also to contribute to Angola’s socio-economic development, improving the quality of life and accessibility to housing for the neediest populations,» adds the businessman. At the moment, Power2Build has several residential and commercial projects across the country. The first 3D-printed family condominium is nearing completion and the public facilities and housing are in the development phase. The need to keep up with the times is constant, so the technology has already been bolstered with the acquisition of a new state-of-the-art 3D printer, to date the world’s largest in operation. The future is already being planned from the point of view of expansion, namely to SADC (Southern African Development Community) countries and other regions.
«How do you envisage yourself in ten years’ time?» we asked Ricardo Almeida. The answer comes as no surprise when he mentions his intention to lead the market with Power2Build. But the mission? That will always be the same, to enable access to decent housing for one and all.