In partnership with Versiclad, Contour3D are taking a groundbreaking step with Australia’s first 3D-printed duplex, marking a significant advancement in addressing Australia's housing shortage.
- LOCATION: SYDNEY, NSW
- 143T ContourCrete®
Contour3D, a leading Australian 3D concrete printing company, has unveiled its latest project, Genesis, a 3D-printed duplex located in Sydney, NSW. This innovative technology will revolutionise traditional construction methods, thus addressing the housing shortage.
This cutting-edge duplex housing project showcases a new era in technology and design by combining 3D concrete printing by Contour3D for the ground floor and lightweight modular construction by Versiclad for the first floor. These technologies combine to create a powerhouse for faster build times, less construction waste, and higher thermal energy ratings, changing how we think about future buildings.
Using Contour3D’s OPUS printer, which is designed and manufactured in Australia by C3D, the duplex’s ground floor internal and external walls totalled 1310m2 of printing. This project utilised ~140T of ContourCrete®, which was being deposited layer-by-layer at an average rate of 1.3T per hour.
ContourCrete is a specialised, eco-friendly 3D printable concrete developed by Contour3D. ContourCrete, for this project, has been tested to have a 28 day strength of 48.0MPa, demonstrating the robust and enduring nature of this innovative technology.
"This project is a true testament to our team’s extraordinary capabilities. It was far from a typical site, divided into four intricate stages that posed significant technical challenges. We executed what we believe to be one of the most complex prints globally, including walls with unique features and parametric designs reaching up to 4 meters in height. Completing this ambitious project in the time we did demonstrates that our team is not just capable but truly world-class, capable of achieving the extraordinary."
Shayne Jessiman, General Manager of Contour3D
This 3D-printed marvel is an architectural playground. Its curved and slanted walls, along with the world-class quality layers, make this project unlike anything we have ever seen in Australia.
"Innovative concrete printing has made a significant mark in Australia's architectural landscape with the construction of the country’s first 3D-printed pair of houses."
Julian Brenchley, Group Architects
The first floor utilises Structural Insulated Wall and Roof Panels (SIP’s) manufactured by Versiclad. Both roof and wall panel systems comprise external and internal skins, laminated to an insulating EPS core. Their inherent strength minimises structural framing elements whilst providing excellent spanning capability; and being manufactured to exact length and width specifications to suit the design of the Duplex, rapid installation by the small onsite building crew was possible. To date, 48 wall panels and nearly 90 square metres of roof panels have been installed in just over two days, and with close to zero construction waste.
"We are excited by the possibilities these two innovative and complementary technologies offer for the future of construction. This project is a testament to our commitment to innovation, and we believe it will serve as a model to address many of the challenges we face in Australia when it comes to housing."
Claire Corbett, Versiclad
The project is in its final stages, and the interior and external reveal will be announced soon. This will showcase the intricate design and the brilliance of this technology.
This project is a milestone in Australia’s history, and it is the start of the revolution of the construction industry, bringing one of the oldest business segments into the 21st century.
