Australia has completed its first 3D-printed social housing project, delivering two two-bedroom homes in Dubbo, NSW, in just 20 weeks—less than half the time of a typical build. The project, a collaboration between the NSW government, Aboriginal Sustainable Homes, and 3D printing company Contour 3D, aims to set a precedent for innovative, cost-effective construction in regional housing markets.
The homes were printed using a specially developed, low-carbon concrete mix and constructed on Wiradjuri Country. All external and internal walls were printed on-site within two weeks, demonstrating the speed and efficiency of the method. Compared to conventional construction, the homes cost 10–20% less to build and produced significantly less material waste.
Housing Minister Rose Jackson said the project’s success shows that 3D printing could become a viable tool in meeting the growing demand for social and affordable housing. She said they were proud to lead the way in using 3D-printing for social housing in NSW, adding that the completed project represented a commitment to faster, more sustainable, and more accessible housing solutions.
Brad Draper, Director of Aboriginal Sustainable Homes, emphasized the cultural significance of the project. He stated that what might be most surprising to people is that an Aboriginal company is leading the introduction of this new technology to the industry. Draper noted that as the housing crisis deepens in rural and regional Australia, solutions led by First Nations organisations can deliver both innovation and impact.
The two completed homes are designed to meet the needs of Aboriginal families in the Dubbo region, aligning with the state’s broader commitment to Indigenous-led housing solutions. The NSW Aboriginal Housing Office was also a key partner in the project, supporting both its funding and community integration.
Beyond faster delivery and cost savings, 3D-printed homes present environmental advantages. The process reduces carbon emissions by using recyclable materials and creating minimal construction waste. While still in its early stages in Australia, similar 3D-printing technologies have been deployed internationally, including in the United States, the Netherlands, and India, to address housing shortages and disaster recovery.
The success of the Dubbo project comes as state governments nationwide search for scalable, affordable housing solutions. In New South Wales alone, the public housing waitlist has exceeded 55,000 applicants, with average wait times ranging from five to over ten years in some areas.
While this pilot proves 3D-printed housing can work on a small scale, its true potential will be tested in wider application. With Australia’s housing affordability crisis worsening, sustained government support and investment in emerging construction technologies will be essential. If embraced strategically, 3D-printed homes could become a meaningful part of the solution.
