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The NSW Government has completed construction of two new duplex homes at Dubbo in the state’s first ever 3D-printed social housing project that was delivered in half the time it usually takes for a conventional build.
The two-bedroom homes, which will soon be home to Aboriginal social housing tenants, were built using about 70 tonnes of Contourcrete, a specially developed 3D printable concrete mix produced by Sydney-based building technology group Contour3D.
Construction of the homes took only 20 weeks, or less than half the usual 40-week timeline, in a major milestone that the government says will help the state’s efforts to tackle the housing crisis. The concrete structures were printed in just 16 days.
The NSW Government says the success of the project showcases the promising potential of 3D-printing as a sustainable and efficient solution for building social and affordable homes across the state, delivering much needed homes faster to those in need.
“We’re proud to be the first to use 3D-printing technology for social housing in NSW, and even prouder to see it completed,” says Rose Jackson, the NSW Minister for Housing and Homelessness
“This is just the beginning. 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.
"This project shows that the NSW Government is committed to exploring every option to build more social and affordable homes faster, especially in regional and remote areas with strong housing demand.”
The homes were built using concrete printing technology developed by Contour3D, a company founded by Nick Holden in 2019. Countour3D has undertaken multiple projects using its technology, including Australia’s first 3D-printed one-bedroom home with a full occupation certificate and even Australia’s first 3D printed amenities block in Dubbo - both of which were completed in 2023.
The Dubbo homes, which will be ready for residents to move in this month, have been built using recycled, environmentally friendly materials and designed to be tough and durable.
“It’s fantastic to see this groundbreaking project come to life in Dubbo, delivering much needed social housing through 3D-printing technology,” says local state member Stephen Lawrence.
“Finding new and creative ways to build homes faster and more efficiently is critical, especially for regional areas like Dubbo. This is a great example of how new technologies can be harnessed to better serve our communities.”
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