The 3D-print construction of two unique duplexes started in Dubbo today.
The walls of the properties are being 3D printed in concrete, a move which is expected to slash traditional construction time from 40 weeks to just 16 weeks.
The use of 3D printing is part of a broader strategy by the Aboriginal Housing Office (AHO) to boost the supply of affordable housing across NSW.
Famey Williams, Chief Executive of the AHO, emphasised the significance of this project, “The Dubbo duplexes are an exciting opportunity for us to put innovative construction methods into practice. We know these methods can cut down build time significantly without sacrificing quality, which means more homes will be available sooner.”
The duplexes will serve as a test case for the scalability of 3D printed social housing in NSW. Ash Livingston, AHO Director of Property said “We’re confident that we can use innovative methods like 3D printing to get more quality houses completed quicker, providing a home for Aboriginal families on our waitlist. The Dubbo duplex project will help us understand whether 3D printed homes can be part of the solution to meet the increasing demand for housing.”
Aboriginal Sustainable Homes (ASH) is leading the project with the support of Contour 3D, who own Opus One, the concrete printer.
Exploring construction methods of the future
3D printing the duplexes offers benefits beyond efficiency. The project also serves as an educational opportunity for workers on site, exposing them to emerging construction technology.
The project is being monitored by a research team led by Dr Sara Omrani, Senior Lecturer in Virtual Design and Construction at Queensland University of Technology.
The research will evaluate the Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) of the 3D printed homes to ensure they’re appropriate for future, larger-scale developments.
Dr Omrani said “We’ll be using a mix of objective sensor data and subjective tenant feedback to report on whether 3D printed homes provide comfortable indoor environments. We’re thrilled to be working with the AHO on this project, it really could change the game for social housing in Australia.”
Finding efficiencies with 3D printing
Not only does this process aim to be quicker, it also generates significantly less waste compared to traditional construction methods. The concrete mix features recycled materials, further promoting sustainability.
This project is a step towards enhancing the quality of social housing available to Aboriginal families and exploring more sustainable construction options in NSW.
The Dubbo duplexes are part of the Aboriginal Housing Office’s new supply program, which aims to deliver 165 new homes by the end of June 2025.
