The Minns Government is embracing innovative solutions to tackle New South Wales’ housing crisis, with construction now underway on the state’s first 3D-printed social housing project in Dubbo. This pioneering approach will turn an empty block into two modern, two-bedroom duplexes specifically for Aboriginal social housing tenants. 

The development, a collaboration between Indigenous company Aboriginal Sustainable Homes (ASH) and 3D-printing specialists Contour3D, is expected to halve traditional construction time, reduce costs, and use environmentally sustainable materials. “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,” said Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Rose Jackson. “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.”

The project aims to complete the printed concrete structures in just 16 days, utilising around 70 tonnes of Contourcrete, a 3D-printable concrete developed by Contour3D. Once printing is finished, the team will install the roof and complete the interior, with the homes set to welcome tenants by February 2025. Dubbo Regional Council approved the

Development Application (DA) in July 2024, expressing its support for this innovative approach to housing construction.

“The Dubbo duplexes will help us understand whether 3D printed homes are a scalable solution. We’re optimistic innovative building methods like this have a role to play in delivering more homes for Aboriginal people across NSW,” said Ash Livingston, AHO Director of Property.

3D-printing technology offers substantial benefits, such as cutting construction time from 40 weeks with conventional methods to just 16 weeks for this project. Additionally, the technology reduces waste and incorporates eco-friendly recycled materials, making it a sustainable choice. The Hon. Stephen Lawrence, MLC, emphasised the potential of this method, stating, “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.”

Jackson highlighted the teamwork fueling the project: “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.”