NSW is set to launch its first 3D-printed social housing project, aiming to dramatically reduce build times.
As social housing waitlists in NSW reach a crisis point, the state is exploring innovative methods to speed up home construction. The upcoming project in Dubbo will see the first 3D-printed social homes, with the goal of cutting construction time by over 50%.
The government has partnered with Aboriginal Sustainable Homes, a firm specializing in culturally sensitive housing for Indigenous communities, and Contour3D, to bring this technology to life. The construction is projected to take about 16 weeks, a significant reduction from the typical 40 weeks required for similar projects.
Beyond speeding up construction, this initiative aims to lower waste and enhance the energy efficiency of the new homes.
NSW Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Rose Jackson, stated that the Dubbo project will serve as a test case for 3D printing technology, aiming to expand its role in NSW’s social and affordable housing initiatives.
The success of this project will help evaluate whether this construction method can become a key strategy for increasing social housing across the state, addressing the growing crisis. Jackson emphasized that modern construction methods, like 3D printing, are essential for delivering social and affordable homes more quickly, particularly in regional and remote areas.
Jackson noted that this construction will be the first of its kind in the country and praised the Aboriginal Housing Office (AHO) for adopting this innovative approach. She commended the AHO’s commitment to exploring new and efficient methods for building quality homes for the community.
Brad Draper, Managing Director of Aboriginal Sustainable Homes, highlighted the AHO’s track record of innovating in social housing and expressed confidence in their capability to successfully complete this project for the local community.
Nick Holden, Founder and CEO of Contour3D, expressed enthusiasm about demonstrating the potential of the company’s technology, highlighting how automation can advance the field of housing construction.
