The NSW Government has reached a significant milestone in its efforts to address the housing crisis, completing the state’s first-ever 3D-printed social housing project. Two newly built homes in Dubbo, constructed using cutting-edge 3D-printing technology, will soon welcome Aboriginal social housing tenants.
Constructed on Wiradjuri Country, the two modern, two-bedroom homes were delivered in just 20 weeks – less than half the time of a typical 40-week build. The accelerated timeline was made possible through the use of Contourcrete, a specially developed concrete mix created by Australian firm Contour3D. Approximately 70 tonnes of the material were used, with the concrete structures printed in just 16 days.
The project is a collaboration between Aboriginal Sustainable Homes (ASH), Contour3D, and the NSW Aboriginal Housing Office (AHO), and is being hailed as a proof of concept for how advanced construction techniques can provide faster, more sustainable housing solutions in regional and remote areas.
Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said the successful pilot highlights the potential of 3D-printing technology to deliver high-quality homes more quickly and efficiently.
“We’re proud to be the first to use 3D-printing technology for social housing in NSW – and even prouder to see it completed,” Minister Jackson said.
“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 what’s possible when government, industry and community work together to find smart, sustainable solutions to the housing crisis.”
Set to welcome tenants this month, the homes are not only rapid to build but are also designed to be energy-efficient and low-maintenance, using recycled and environmentally friendly materials.
According to the Hon Stephen Lawrence MLC, “it’s fantastic to see this groundbreaking project come to life in Dubbo.
“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.”
The success of the Dubbo pilot has sparked interest from stakeholders across the Riverina, with some calling for 3D-printing to be explored more widely in regional housing strategies.
“This is a fantastic example of innovation delivering real outcomes for our region,” says RDA Orana CEO Justine Campbell. “The successful completion of NSW’s first 3D-printed social homes right here in Dubbo shows what’s possible when cutting-edge technology is combined with community-driven partnerships. Not only does this initiative respond to the urgent need for housing, it also sets a new benchmark for sustainable, efficient construction in regional NSW. It’s a win for local jobs, local people and the future of housing in the Orana.”
Wagga City Councillor Richard Foley has been a vocal proponent of the technology and says he hopes other local governments will take notice of Dubbo’s lead.
“It’s encouraging to see a regional council embracing innovation,” he said. “There’s real potential here — not just in terms of cost savings, but also the speed at which homes can be delivered.”
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