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

Dubbo Regional Council appointed Contour3D to deliver Australia’s first 3D-printed amenities block in Lions Park, West Dubbo. This significant milestone will provide the community access to this revolutionary technology while setting the stage for future 3D construction projects in Central West NSW.

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

Dubbo Regional Council is the first council in Australia to utilise this construction method, encouraging other councils and organisations to follow suit. The decision to explore 3D printing technology is part of their asset renewal plan and demonstrates their commitment to innovation.

“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 6–8 weeks,” claims Shayne Jessiman, General Manager, Contour3D.

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 Regional 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 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 will use 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. Contour3D’s partnership with UNSW will ensure the mix can withstand the harsh Australian climate, ensuring strength and durability for future generations. 

Further development of Contourcrete is happening daily with our in-house material scientist and UNSW. 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 while educating 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 Dubbo represents a significant step forward in the construction industry and has the potential to revolutionise infrastructure and housing in Central West NSW and beyond.

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About Contour3D 
By constantly pioneering the disciplines of material sciences, advanced robotics, software development, and precision engineering Contour3D will revolutionise how we build and provide automation and robotics to the construction industry.
We are Australia’s most precise, high-quality, innovative 3D printing company. We ensure each project is delivered to a high standard to not only meet your expectations but to exceed them.