Australia’s first-ever 3D-printed social housing project has been completed in New South Wales.
Using specially developed 3D-printable concrete mix, two homes have been built on a vacant block of land in the regional city of Dubbo.
Starting late last year, it took about two weeks to finish construction of all internal and external walls. The project was delivered in just 20 weeks, less than half the usual 40-week timeline and cost 10-20 per cent less than a traditional build.
“We’re proud to be the first to use 3D-printing technology for social housing in NSW – and even prouder to see it completed,” Minister for Housing Rose Jackson said.
Built on Wiradjuri Country with recycled, environmentally friendly materials, the two modern, two-bedroom homes will be home to Aboriginal social housing tenants.
The project showcases the promising potential of 3D-printing as a sustainable and efficient solution for building social and affordable homes across the state.
“This is just the beginning,” Jackson said. “The success of this pilot proves 3D-printing can help us build quality homes faster – particularly in regional and remote areas where demand is high.”
Finding new and creative ways to build homes faster is critical, especially for regional areas like Dubbo, said Member of the NSW Legislative Council and former Dubbo mayor Stephen Lawrence. “This is a great example of how new technologies can be harnessed to better serve our communities.”
The first-of-its-kind build was a partnership between the NSW Aboriginal Housing Office, Aboriginal Sustainable Homes, and Contour3D. It was supported by Dubbo Regional Council, which approved the development application in July 2024.
“It is the first social and affordable 3D printed house. What’s probably more astonishing for people is it’s being brought, this new technology to the industry, by an Aboriginal company,” Brad Draper – director at Aboriginal Sustainable Homes – said.
“Now, we see ourselves as being the original innovators and engineers, and that’s something that I’m immensely proud of as an Aboriginal man, or Wiradjuri man, in being able to bring this and to build this in what’s affectionately known as Dubb Vegas. It’s really, really exciting for us, and I think it’s a way forward for the future.”
Ash Livingstone – director property at the Aboriginal Housing Office – said 3D construction is a step in addressing Australia’s social housing wait list. “AHO has done a lot of modular construction and this is just another way that we can increase the housing supply.”
Shayne Jessiman – Contour3D general manager – said there are plans to build more 3D social housing developments across Australia. “We’re talking to a lot of people, not just in NSW and Victoria, but all over the country.”
Leave a Reply