Frequently asked questions

3D construction or concrete printing is a type of additive manufacturing used to form buildings, structures or specific components that are designed in 3D CAD software.

This is free form construction that does not require any formwork and allows for shapes not previously possible with traditional methods.  

Well, that’s an easy one! Better, faster, eco-friendly, more durable with the ability to create curves and meticulous design details at scale for no additional cost or labour, simply let the robot print it.

With water in number one place, concrete is the second most used building material on earth and our eco-friendly 3D printable concrete is extra special.

The process is much faster than traditional methods. The printer will print the internal and external walls of your new house in a time period that is measured in weeks not months.

Our goal in the future is to create a pricing structure that is lower than that of traditional construction, with many more benefits and an extended design life.  

A design is created using CAD software. Our intelligent software will then convert this model into a language that the printer can understand and off it goes.

Our 3D printable concrete, with a composition specifically developed for this purpose, is printed layer by layer, without the need for any formwork.

• Reduced time, labour costs and supply chain challenges mean dramatically reduced costs for you.
• Eco-friendly concrete specifically engineered to Australian conditions for stronger structures.
• Drastically minimised construction waste compared to traditional methods.
• Tight timeframes? We take just days to build what traditional building methods require many months to complete.
• Limitless architectural creativity through the freedom of 3D construction printing.
• Our technology and materials alike have undergone rigorous testing for longevity in Australian conditions.

Simple – we are now automating the longest part of the construction process. Construction time is much faster than traditional building, due to less supply chain issues and well as reduced labour on site. Additionally, due to the supreme accuracy of the technology and machinery, coupled with the advancement of digital engineering & construction the process is much more refined. Also, 3D construction printing now gives the architect design freedom previously not possible.

3D printing is an additive manufacturing process, meaning that it only deposits the materials required for the job minimising construction waste compared to traditional materials. Therefore, producing almost zero waste to landfill as part of the construction process. According to an RMIT article, in 2017, 20 million tonnes of construction waste ended up in landfills across Australia. Our aim is to eventually eradicate waste and to be a key contributor to the present and future circular economy.

Concrete is extremely long-lasting, proven and durable. Moreover, its flexibility as a building material means that it can be formed to a specific shape. Compared to traditional concrete construction, 3D printing with concrete will use overall less concrete and next to no waste.

Once the slab has been poured and cured, OPUS ONE, our high-tech gantry-style 3D printer, arrives and is erected on site, this typically occurs in one day. 

After site reviews, software checks and a dry run to confirm the correct tool path, the team will press the big green GO button and our printer begins to extrude layer by layer to deliver the internal and external walls of the structure. It’s very hypnotic to watch your home rise from the ground one layer at a time. 

3D construction printing will print a double skin wall, leaving a cavity for the services and insulation. The insulation material will vary from job to job and can be in sheet or granular form.

If a higher insulation value is required, then the cavity can be printed wider to allow for additional insulation.

At present, a 3D construction printer will build the internal and external structure of the house. Windows, doors, electrical and plumbing are still installed after the structure is complete using traditional methods, at least for the short term.

However, unique design elements such as custom furniture, baths, outdoor furniture, gazebo, the pool, fire pit and more can be printed on site to complement the 3D printed home. 

Without making seemingly outrageous claims with what is new technology, it can be stated that concrete is not a new building material. 3D printing simply deposits the concrete in a very different and high-tech way.

Being super durable, most concrete structures are expected to have a 100-year design life under typical conditions.

Both electrical and plumbing are installed the same as a traditional build. 3D construction printing prepares for these trades by leaving holes in the printed walls for power points, plumbing and more.

3D printed walls can be customised to match your own unique aesthetic. The walls can be painted, plastered, rendered or cladded just like traditional buildings. You can go from super traditional, all the way to super modern, almost like a space age building. You can also leave just some or all the walls, so they have the unique 3D printed look and persoanlly we love this aesthetic!

Australian made and owned, we have engineered and built our very own 3D construction printer. Constructed as a light-weight dynamic mobile gantry system, Opus One provides precision and accuracy throughout every build. Please see visit OPUS ONE for more information.

• Build envelope of 24m(long) x 13m(wide) x 6m(high)
• Capable of movements up to 1m per second
• Lightweight and modular for fast mobilisation 

Contour3D has an ongoing partnership with the UNSW to develop a 3D printable concrete called Contourcrete. Contourcrete has been rigorously tested to adapt to the Australian climate and conditions, providing strength and durability for now and future generations. More information please visit OPUS ONE.

We have many upcoming projects in the pipeline, so please visit our projects for more information. If you have a project in the works and would like to be considered, please contact us via our contact form and explain what you are looking to do.

Unique design elements such as custom furniture, outdoor furniture, gazebo, the pool, fire pit and more. Please send us a message to find out what’s possible.