3D-printed social housing for indigenous communities in Australia

Construction of the first social housing project using 3D printing technology begins in Dubbo, New South Wales. The project comprises two modern two-bedroom apartments for Indigenous tenants and is expected to significantly reduce construction costs and time. The aim is to create a sustainable solution for social housing and explore new ways of building.

The construction process relies on a partnership between Aboriginal Sustainable Homes and 3D concrete printing specialist Contour3D. Around 70 tons of Contourcrete, a specially developed, environmentally friendly 3D printed concrete, will be used for the construction. The concrete frame of the buildings is to be completed within 16 days, after which the roof and interior work will be carried out. Completion and tenant move-in are planned for February 2025. The pressure will result in less waste and the mix of recycled materials will make the buildings robust and energy efficient, reducing life cycle costs.

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said: “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. 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.”

The 3D printing technique takes just 16 weeks to build in total, whereas similar structures would conventionally take up to 40 weeks.

The Hon Stephen Lawrence MLC said: “It’s fantastic to see this innovative approach coming to Dubbo in a sensible way. 3D-printed technology can help us build some structures including homes faster and more sustainably. The key is using these sorts of new technologies when appropriate. People are excited to see this project come to life over the coming weeks, and by early next year we will have delivered modern 3D-printed homes to local Aboriginal social tenants.”