The housing crisis is a problem not just in Lismore and the Northern Rivers but across the country. The crisis affects people across all walks of life, especially those in need of social housing.

The state government may have found a solution after completing NSW’s first-ever 3D-printed social housing project in Dubbo, where it built two brand new homes, marking a major milestone in the state’s efforts to tackle the housing crisis.

The two modern, two-bedroom homes will soon be home to Aboriginal social housing tenants. The project was delivered in only 20 weeks, less than half the usual 40-week timeline, thanks to innovative 3D-printing construction methods. 

The homes were created using approximately 70 tonnes of Contourcrete, a specially developed 3D-printable concrete mix produced by Contour3D. The concrete structures were printed in just 16 days.

The success of the project showcases the promising potential of 3D-printing as a sustainable and efficient solution for building social and affordable homes across the state, delivering much needed homes faster to those in need.

These homes will be ready for residents to move in this month, providing energy-efficient, low-maintenance housing built with recycled, environmentally friendly materials.

This 3D-printed project gives local hope to sites identified as social and affordable, such as Cynthia Wilson Drive, where 40 new homes have been discussed since 2019 (twenty one-bedroom and twenty two-bedroom townhouses).

(Photo: supplied)

This first-of-its-kind build was a partnership between Aboriginal Sustainable Homes (ASH), Contour3D, and the NSW Aboriginal Housing Office (AHO),

For more information visit: http://www.nsw.gov.au/homes-nsw/MMC.  

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said, “We’re proud to be the first to use 3D-printing technology for social housing in NSW—and even prouder to see it completed.

“This is just the beginning. The success of this pilot proves 3D-printing can help us build quality homes faster, particularly in regional and remote areas where demand is high.

"This project shows that the NSW Government is committed to exploring every option to build more social and affordable homes faster, especially in regional and remote areas with strong housing demand.  

“This project shows what’s possible when government, industry and community work together to find smart, sustainable solutions to the housing crisis.

The Hon Stephen Lawrence MLC said, “It’s fantastic to see this groundbreaking project come to life in Dubbo, delivering much needed social housing through 3D-printing technology.

“Finding new and creative ways to build homes faster and more efficiently is critical, especially for regional areas like Dubbo.

“This is a great example of how new technologies can be harnessed to better serve our communities.”