we shape the future
OUR STORY
We are a passionate force of change, driven by years of collective expertise and boundless creativity.
REDEFINE THE WORLD OF CONSTRUCTION
At Contour 3D, we are not just a 3D construction company; we are a passionate force of change, driven by years of collective expertise and boundless creativity. Our foundation is built on a relentless pursuit of excellence in engineering, design, fabrication, software, and material science. Each day, we rise with a burning ambition to revolutionise the construction industry and reshape the very fabric of how homes are built.
Our journey began with a bold vision: to redefine home building, shatter the limitations of traditional construction methods, and usher in a new era of scalability, affordability, and beauty. We are proud to be an all-Australian company rooted deeply in our commitment to innovation and progress.
OUR JOURNEY SO FAR
DECEMBER 2019
Nick Holden, the founder of Contour3D, bought his daughter a 3D desktop printer. After assembling and assisting his daughter with a few small 3D projects, Nick became fascinated by the technology.
MARCH 2020
Nick assembled his own larger, semi-commercial desktop printer to cater for the volume of personal projects and R&D rapid prototyping.
MAY 2020
Nick Holden started researching the 3D concrete printing sector and started sketching various basic machine designs to perform initial tests.
SEPTEMBER 2020
Nick and a small team started fabrication of a small test gantry system with a build area of 2.4m x 1.2m x 1.2m. A 3D construction company started to blossom.
DECEMBER 2020
The team tested various methods of extruding the concrete, deciding on a hopper and auger system and quickly commencing the initial trial model and fabrication of this system.
JANUARY 2021
Borrowed a Siemens control system from a CNC mill and incorporated a C-Axis (rotating head).
FEBRUARY 2021
To facilitate the process of transforming the 3D drawings into an accurate movement, the team used the gantry to draw shapes with a Sharpie, before extruding any concrete.
MARCH 2021
The first real-life trial run began, using 100kg of bagged mortar mix from the local hardware store.
APRIL 2021
After months of trialling a blend of 3D printable mortar, the team finalised a design for more thorough and accurate testing; the first precision mixing and pumping station was created.
MAY 2021
The team started to build a larger gantry system based around the same general principles of the small test printer.
JUNE 2021
A new R&D machine with a print volume of 20m x 5m x 3m was finally moving and ready for actual test printing.
JULY 2021
A short-term lease was taken on a new factory that was ‘just’ big enough to stand the new printer up and move it backwards and forwards, giving a limited print length of 6m.
AUGUST 2021
The team refined the mixing/pump system to the point of enabling superb control of this factor, in its many variables, through a device.
NOVEMBER 2021
The team further refined the material design in collaboration with UNSW, achieving consistent results.
MARCH – APRIL 2022
The R&D printer was moved into a bigger factory to test print larger elements. It is now producing predictable results and has the capacity to print larger structures.
MAY 2022
The first 3-metre-high test wall is printed in the factory.
JUNE 2022
The first outdoor 3D printed home is printed on The Block, Tree Change. Using The Block as inspiration, the team start work on the larger, all aluminium, gantry design.
THE TEAM BEHIND THE MACHINE
Within our walls, you’ll find a symphony of talent—a diverse team of mechatronic, software, mechanical, and fabrication engineers, alongside brilliant material scientists and esteemed consultants. Together, we form a powerhouse of innovation, keeping the heartbeat of expertise and ingenuity right here in Australia.
Innovation pulses through our veins, precision guides our hands, and quality control is our unwavering standard. Every member of our team is driven by a shared purpose—to drive meaningful change in an industry ripe for transformation. Together, we stand as pioneers, forging a path towards a future where construction is not just efficient but extraordinary.
NICK HOLDEN
Founder
“Do or do not, there is no try.”’
—Yoda, Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back.
A humanitarian who only knows how to life in the fast lane, Nick gives back to his community, thrives on mentoring young entrepreneurs and has a passion for raising money for charity. Nick’s long-term goal is to reduce homelessness and make housing more accessible, through the automation of construction.◦ As a passionate entrepreneur from early on in life, Nick has followed several career paths. Contour3D is a new company founded by Nick that focuses on advancing and automating the construction industry through the use of 3D construction printing.
SHAYNE JESSIMAN
General Manager
Shayne Jessiman is an accomplished individual who excels in cultivating growth and seizing opportunities within the business landscape. With over 15 years of experience in senior management positions across various industries, Shayne has proven expertise in driving success.
Starting from a modest sales engineering role, Shayne has risen to positions of leadership, guiding companies towards financial prosperity. Recognising the significance of collaboration and understanding the needs of key stakeholders, employees, and management, Shayne ensures success at every level of the business hierarchy.
Shayne‘s inherent leadership qualities, can-do attitude and ability to work as a team player make him an invaluable asset to Contour3D, playing an active role with all staff and contributing significantly to the company’s future triumphs.
Currently, Shayne is actively developing the business strategy that will propel Contour3D, a 3D construction company, to the next stage of growth. Moreover, he oversees all facets of the business and is currently restructuring and recruiting to better aligning the business with the overall business strategy.
MEET THE TEAM
Ashley Mogg
Product Manager / Production Engineer
Damijan Nemes
Technical Manager - Concrete
Mehdi Nejad
R&D Manager – Construction
Robu Acosta Ellero
Architect Design Artist
Suzy Merriment
Financial Controller
Paul Majewski
Mechanical Engineer
Shiwei Yu
Senior Material Engineer
Francesco Gramazio
Software Engineer
Bridget Kennedy
PA to Nick Holden
Jack Merriment
Software Engineer / IT Support
Harley Welsh
Intern Mechatronics
Tom Flynn
Mechatronics Engineer
EXCELLENCE IN CONCRETE 2023 AWARD WINNERS
In 2023, were awarded the National Award for “Excellence in Concrete” in the category for the Technology and Innovation by the Concrete Institute of Australia. This is a significant accomplishment for the evolution of 3D concrete printing in Australia.
STEVE WAUGH: OUR BRAND AMBASSADOR
ASK NICK FOR A BLURB OR WHY
CAREERS AT CONTOUR3D
We are always on the look out for talented individuals to join our team and pursue exciting careers with in a 3D construction company. If you are passionate about cutting-edge technology and innovative construction methods, we invite you to contact us. Join us and be a part of revolutionising the construction industry with 3D concrete printing.
