The Minns Labor Government is pursuing innovative solutions to address the housing and homelessness crisis with the use of 3D printing to deliver more housing.
This groundbreaking method of construction aims to reduce costs and cut construction time by 50 percent and will be used to build the first social housing property of this type in New South Wales.
Housing affordability and availability are the biggest pressures facing the people of NSW. As social housing waitlists continue to soar, the implementation of this rapid construction method promises to significantly accelerate the delivery of desperately needed social and affordable homes across the state.
Construction is expected to be completed within 16 weeks, a stark contrast to the roughly 40 weeks required by traditional methods.
The NSW Government has engaged Aboriginal Sustainable Homes, who will work in partnership with Contour3D to harness 3D printing technology. Together, they will transform a vacant block of land in Dubbo into two two-bedroom duplexes, providing Aboriginal Housing Office tenants with a safe and secure place to call home.
3D printing produces significantly less waste, and the concrete mix uses eco-friendly, high-recycled materials to produce robust and energy-efficient homes with substantially reduced life cycle maintenance costs. This revolutionary technology heralds a new era in construction and could form part of the solution to provide homes sooner for people who need them most.
Construction of the first 3D printed social home in New South Wales is expected to commence in late September 2024.
Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:
"Using cutting edge technology for this project is a prime example of the NSW Government's commitment to 'think outside the box' by exploring every possible option when it comes to delivering more housing for those who need it.
"Utilising Modern Methods of Construction like this 3D printing technology is critically important to delivering social and affordable homes sooner, especially in regional and remote areas.
"Our government is leading the way with this project. The construction of a 3D social housing property is the first of its kind in the country. For it to be led by the AHO reflects their dedication to exploring new and efficient ways of building more quality homes for community.
"The success of this project will help to determine whether this construction method becomes one of the many ways we can deliver more social housing right across the state in a bid to help us tackle the growing crisis."
Member of the Legislative Council, Stephen Lawrence said:
"This trial by the state government of 3D printing of social housing is very exciting. The results will be carefully examined and used to guide future use of the technology where appropriate.
"It is entirely appropriate for the state government to trial the use of this technology for larger scale building such as houses, where there is substantial evidence to suggest the technology is appropriate and represents value for money."
Dubbo Regional Council Mayor Mathew Dickerson said:
"Dubbo Regional Council is supportive of this project that is embracing new ways of construction with the objective to boost housing availability in our region."
Managing Director of Aboriginal Sustainable Homes (ASH) Brad Draper said:
"ASH is delighted to be involved in this project and applaud the Aboriginal Housing Office (AHO) for pioneering new ways to deliver social housing. As an Aboriginal company, we are proud to deliver these quality homes that will have far-reaching benefits for residents long into the future.
"ASH has a strong track record in working with the AHO and we look forward to delivering another successful project for the local community."
Founder and CEO of Contour3D Nick Holden said:
"We're excited to showcase our innovative building method that prioritises sustainability, design freedom, and efficiency by bringing automation to the forefront of housing construction."
