Australia responds to housing crisis by 3D printing multi-storey homes VIDEO

At the heart of Australia’s housing crisis lies a central issue: there are not enough homes and time frames for new constructions have decreased. In order to overcome those difficiulties, Australia is embracing 3D printing technology to tackle its housing crisis, with a Melbourne-based construction company having built  the country’s first 3D-printed multi-storey house.

The CEO of the Luyten construction firm, Ahmed Mahil, plans to live in the house himself, and believes the innovation could be the solution to slow construction times and rising costs. An article by The Guardian points out that construction delays have worsened over the years, with average build times for standalone houses increasing from nine to 12.7 months and apartment construction stretching from 18.5 to 33.3 months.

In contrast, Mahil’s four-bedroom, five-bathroom home will be completed in just five weeks. The printing process itself takes three weeks, followed by two weeks to install roofing, lighting, and other services.

While there is limited Australian research on cost comparisons between traditional and 3D-printed homes, Mahil’s estimates suggest that 3D printing could be 25-30% cheaper than conventional methods. Australia’s first 3D-printed home, a one-bedroom house in New South Wales, was completed in just two days in May 2023. Internationally, large-scale projects are already underway, such as the 100-home development in Wolf Ranch, Texas.

Governments are beginning to adopt 3D printing in social housing initiatives. In New South Wales, a two-bedroom duplex in Dubbo, constructed for Indigenous tenants, took only two weeks to complete. The project cost $814,000 and was estimated to be 10-20% cheaper than a traditional build. NSW Housing Minister Rose Jackson calls 3D printing “a gamechanger” due to its speed, affordability, and sustainability.

The environmental benefits of 3D-printed homes are gaining attention. A study in the Journal of Building Engineering found that the technology supports sustainable construction, especially in remote areas, but noted material consumption and transportation still contribute to environmental impact.

Shortcomings of new approach

Despite its potential, challenges remain as property developer and researcher Kavitha Vipulananda tells the publication. He points out that 3D printing in urban environments is difficult due to the size and maneuverability of the equipment. The technology is currently limited to standalone houses rather than high-density developments. Banks are also hesitant to fund 3D-printed projects due to the technology’s novelty, and design flexibility for consumers is still restricted.

Michael Fotheringham, managing director of the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute, believes 3D printing could help the federal government meet its target of 1.2 million homes in five years. However, he stresses that the technology is still in its early stages and requires more research, particularly regarding insulation and energy efficiency.

While 3D printing is a promising alternative, Fotheringham argues that governments should focus on high-density housing near city centers. Still, he acknowledges that 3D printing could be effective in infill development due to its rapid construction speed and minimal community disruption.

By Nazrin Sadigova