A groundbreaking 3D-printed social housing development in Dubbo, Australia, is making significant progress. Spearheaded by the New South Wales government, the initiative brings together Contour3D, a local construction 3D printing company, Crete-Tech Australia, and Ash Group Holdings, an Aboriginal-owned organization focused on sustainable housing. The project aims to address a critical housing shortage in Dubbo by building a series of two-bedroom duplexes for social housing through the Aboriginal Housing Office.

Recently, Ash Group Holdings shared that roof trusses for one of the duplexes were successfully installed. These trusses were pre-assembled, transported to the site, and lifted into place using a crane. The Aboriginal Sustainable Homes team ensured each truss was aligned and securely fixed to the 3D-printed concrete structure, preparing the roof for the next construction phase. Contour3D’s gantry-based printer, capable of creating structures up to 30 meters long and 15 meters wide, is being used to construct the duplex exteriors and walls.

Construction 3D printing was chosen over traditional methods for its speed and cost-efficiency. The Dubbo project, which began in late September, is expected to be completed within 16 weeks, significantly faster than the 40 weeks required for conventional construction. The on-site printing of concrete reduces labor costs and material waste, making the process ideal for affordable housing solutions in areas with urgent needs, such as Dubbo.

Contour3D has also achieved other milestones in 2024, including the completion of Australia’s first 3D-printed one-bedroom home with a Full Occupation Certificate. Built in Gymea Bay, this 50-square-meter house was printed in just 14 hours over two days, showcasing the potential of the technology for diverse housing projects.

Globally, 3D printing is gaining traction for social housing. In Ireland, Harcourt Technologies Ltd. built Europe’s first ISO-compliant 3D-printed social housing using COBOD technology. In Austin, Texas, ICON’s construction 3D printing is being used to build 100 homes as part of the Community First! Village, a development aimed at housing 1,800 formerly homeless individuals.

These innovative projects underscore how construction 3D printing is transforming housing. By reducing costs and accelerating timelines, this technology offers a promising solution to housing shortages worldwide, with Dubbo’s initiative leading the way in Australia.