In partnership with Versiclad, Contour3D’s Genesis Project has been recently celebrated as Australia’s first full-scale 3D-printed homes
- LOCATION: SYDNEY, NSW
- 143T ContourCrete®
In partnership with Versiclad, Contour3D’s Genesis Project has been recently celebrated as Australia’s first full-scale 3D-printed homes – a revolutionary development designed to showcase the immense potential and capability 3D concrete printing can offer. From creating high-end homes faster and more efficiently without compromising design to delivering affordable housing, this technology has the power to address Australia’s housing crisis.
Located in Woolooware, NSW, Genesis demonstrates how advanced 3D concrete printing technology, combined with Versiclad’s lightweight modular systems for the second storey, can reduce construction time, minimise waste, and deliver high-quality, energy-efficient homes.
However, this pioneering approach not only accelerates the building process and redefines architectural freedom, but it could also provide a viable solution to Australia’s ongoing housing and labour 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.
"Contour3D undertook the Genesis project to highlight the capabilities of 3D concrete printing technology. Genesis has a high-end finish and design; however, the same technology and methodologies are identical to those used in more affordable or social housing. This project was undertaken to demonstrate that 3d concrete printing on a large scale can be a viable solution for the industry and the housing crisis."
Pioneering Sustainable Construction
Genesis features Contour3D’s OPUS printer, a cutting-edge Australian-made 3D concrete printer that constructs faster and more efficiently than traditional building methods.
For the ground floor, the OPUS printer delivered over 1310m2 of printed walls using approximately 140 tonnes of ContourCrete®, a proprietary mix comprising ~40% recycled materials. The result is a durable, architecturally striking structure that embodies both sustainability and design innovation through free-form construction – and thus, endless architectural possibilities.
Versiclad’s contribution to Genesis includes the second storey’s lightweight modular construction, utilising Structural Insulated Wall and Roof Panels. These panels not only enhance thermal performance but also significantly reduce on-site waste and construction timelines. The second-storey installation, consisting of 96 wall panels and 290 square metres of roof panels, was completed in just over six days, with close to zero construction waste.
Genesis has an impressive energy rating of 7.9 stars, comfortably exceeding the required 7-star benchmark. This underlines the property’s energy efficiency, requiring minimal heating and cooling. As a result, it operates cost-effectively and produces a lower carbon footprint.
“Versiclad were thrilled to supply Structural Insulated Roof and Wall panels to Genesis. With goals focused on construction speed, zero waste and excellent thermal performance, the capabilities of our products were a perfect fit. An added benefit was that the Carpentry team was the only trade required to install our products, assisting in meeting challenges of scheduling and trade availability. The end result is stunning and a great showcase of how Versiclad products suit contemporary architecture, and in the case of Genesis, sit comfortably with leading-edge construction technology”
Architectural Freedom
Genesis stands as testament to the undeniable potential of 3D printing to deliver stunning, customised home designs, without traditional construction limitations. With its flowing and curved walls, paired with top-tier quality printed layers, Genesis has fast become a project that stands apart from anything previously witnessed in Australia.
Breathtaking 3D-printed patterns and lofty ceilings extending from the hallway into the living room, with curves that epitomise the elegance of free-form residential design – and expertly accentuated with CoLab lighting’s LED strip fixtures – that merge cutting-edge housing concepts with contemporary everyday living.
Addressing the Australia Housing Crisis
As the demand for affordable, energy-efficient housing increases, the Genesis Project presents a forward-thinking solution that aligns with Australia’s urgent need for sustainable housing. By integrating 3D concrete printing with modular construction, Contour3D and Versiclad have created a housing model that is faster to build, cost-effective, and environmentally conscious.
Furthermore, with its ability to customise facades and layouts outside of the barriers of traditional construction methods, affordable housing no longer has to be synonymous with ‘toy town’ developments. By harnessing this new technology, each home has the opportunity to feel unique and beautiful, creating individual homes within cohesive urban landscapes that inspire connection and hope amongst its communities.
A Blueprint for the Future of Housing
Contour3D’s Genesis Project is more than a single duplex – it is a blueprint for the future of housing in Australia, and a milestone in Australia’s history. Genesis marks the start of the new age of construction, bringing one of the last major industries to adopt robotics and automation.
By reducing construction time, lowering costs, and embracing sustainable building practices, Genesis demonstrates how innovative construction methods can address Australia’s housing crisis – and pave the way for a more sustainable, architecturally diverse future.
