Australia’s first 3D printed amenities block in Dubbo

Contour3D delivers Australia’s first 3D printed amenities block in Dubbo—paving the way for affordable housing in the region.

Hours to build

Tonnes of Contourcrete™

SQM

Dubbo Regional Council (DRC) appointed Contour3D to deliver the first 3D printed amenities block in Lions Park, West Dubbo. This marks a significant milestone in adopting 3D printing technology in Australia.

By using 3D printing to construct the new amenities block, Contour3D will provide the community access to this revolutionary technology. In addition, sets the stage for future 3D construction projects in Central West NSW.

A solution to affordable housing

Contour3D’s state-of-the-art 3D printer, Opus One, takes a matter of days to print a house’s external and internal walls. This means a completed house build can now be measured in weeks and not months, which will contribute to solving the housing crisis in the region.

“With our in-house technology and our state-of-the-art 3D printer, we will be able to deliver 3–4 bedroom homes ready to occupy in 8–10 weeks,” claims Shayne Jessiman, General Manager, Contour3D.

Dubbo Regional Council’s decision to explore 3D printing technology aligns with their asset renewal plan and demonstrates their commitment to innovation. As the first council in Australia to utilise this construction method, they are leading the way and paving the path for other councils and organisations to follow suit.

According to a media release by Dubbo Regional Council, “This will be the first time Dubbo Regional Council has used 3D printing technology, and it is hoped that if the trial is successful Council will investigate future opportunities to utilise the technology,” Mayor of Dubbo Regional Council, Mathew Dickerson.

In addition, 3D printing could alleviate local trade shortages, strengthening the local economy. The speed and efficiency of 3D printing can address the nation’s housing shortfall while contributing to economic growth.

“By Dubbo Council adopting this technology, we could see the alleviation of trade shortages, which will support the local economy and provide a solution to the shortfall in housing,” stated Nick Holden, Founder, Contour3D.

The finer details of the 3d printed amenities block

The amenities block is being printed on a new concrete slab on the existing site and is 18.5m x 8m. Contour3D’s dynamic mobile gantry 3D printer, Opus One, will construct the amenities block’s internal and external walls with almost zero waste during construction.

Constructing the amenities block uses 25 tonnes of Contourcrete, which contains 40% recycled materials. Contour3D added an oxide colour to the mix to create efficiency—saving time and cost by eliminating the need for painting. In addition, Contour3D’s partnership with UNSW will ensure the mix can withstand the harsh Australian climate, ensuring strength and durability for future generations.

According to a media release by Dubbo Regional Council, “The amenities block will be ‘printed’ using high strength concrete with significantly lower environmental impacts and wastage, and is expected to result in considerable savings to Council, compared to traditional construction methods,” Ian Whipple, Manager Major Projects, Dubbo Regional Council.

Contourcrete – the way forward

At this time, further development of Contourcrete is happening daily with our in-house material scientist and UNSW. Furthermore, Contour3D is pushing to lower the raw material input costs whilst increasing the recycled component to >75%. Contourcrete is a high-performance material with a cured strength of 45MPa. As a result, Contourcrete will deliver high-strength, environmentally friendly housing with a design life of +100 years.

The new amenities building will provide accessibility and increase the number of toilets in Lions Park. Also, this will educate the community on how this technology can improve social and environmental outcomes for future generations.

Overall, the utilisation of 3D printing technology in constructing the amenities block in Lions Park represents a significant step forward in the construction industry. This technology has the potential to revolutionise infrastructure and housing in Central West NSW and beyond.