A development in Dubbo is currently underway that is using 3D printing to reduce construction time
Construction has begun on NSW’s first 3D-printed social housing properties in Dubbo.
The development will transform a vacant block of land into two modern two-bedroom duplexes for Aboriginal social housing tenants. The NSW government says this method of construction will reduce costs and cut construction time in half.
The outcome of this project will then influence greater takeup of 3D printing for further house building projects.
Indigenous company Aboriginal Sustainable Homes is developing the site in partnership with Contour3D.
The printed concrete structures for the duplexes are due to be completed within 16 days using approximately 70 tonnes of bespoke Contourcrete – a proprietary 3D printable concrete pioneered by Contour3D.
Once the 3D-printed structure is complete, the roof structure will be installed and the internal fit out commences, with the homes expected to be ready for tenants to move in by February 2025.
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The NSW government says 3D-printing produces significantly less waste, and the concrete mix uses eco-friendly recycled materials to produce a robust and energy efficient home with substantially reduced lifecycle maintenance costs.
The total construction time for this project is 16 weeks, while using conventional methods for a similar build could take up to 40 weeks, it says.
“It’s very exciting that construction is now underway on the first 3D printed social housing properties in the state, and I have high hopes that this approach can be replicated at scale,” minister for housing and homelessness Rose Jackson says.
“The Minns Labor Government is using out-of-the-box thinking and exploring every option to build more social and affordable homes faster, especially in our regional and remote areas where people are crying out for assistance.
“We can’t solve the housing and homelessness crisis alone, and this project is a fantastic example of what can happen when council, government and private businesses join forces to find new solutions to a growing problem.
“I’d like to thank the Aboriginal Housing Office, Aboriginal Sustainable Homes, Dubbo Regional Council and Contour3D for their dedication to exploring new and efficient ways of building more quality homes for those who need them.”
Last year, Contour3D delivered Australia’s first 3D printed amenities block, also in Dubbo. 25 tonnes of Contourcrete was used to build the amenities block.