A two-story 3D concrete printed home in Western Australia showcases innovative construction methods that could transform housing in the U.S. amid rising costs and labor shortages.
A significant milestone in construction has been achieved in Western Australia with the completion of the nation’s first multi-story 3D concrete printed home. Located in Tapping, near Perth, this two-story residence was built in just five months, with its structural walls printed in an impressive 18 hours of active printing time.
This development could have far-reaching implications for housing in the United States, where rising costs, labor shortages, and a growing demand for sustainable building practices are pressing issues. The Tapping home exemplifies how 3D concrete printing can provide major benefits for everyday housing.
Contec Australia, the company behind this project, has demonstrated that 3D concrete printing can achieve significant efficiency without compromising durability. The walls of the Tapping home are fire-resistant, water-resistant, termite-proof, and cyclone-rated, making them particularly appealing for regions in the U.S. that face hurricanes, floods, and wildfires.
Unlike traditional masonry construction, which relies on stacking bricks, Contec’s robotic printer extrudes a specialized concrete mix based on a digital 3D model. This mix sets in under three minutes, allowing for new layers to be stacked without the need for scaffolding or formwork. The walls are printed in precise layers, and once the structural shell is complete, traditional crews are brought in to add the roof, wiring, windows, flooring, and finishing touches.
The speed of construction is remarkable, with the structural walls finished in just 18 hours and the full build completed in five months. Additionally, the Tapping home is reported to be 22% cheaper than comparable masonry builds in Western Australia. This cost efficiency is particularly relevant given the high expenses associated with labor and materials in the housing market.
In terms of design, 3D printing offers significant freedom, allowing for complex shapes, curves, and openings without incurring additional costs. Moreover, the environmental impact is reduced, with 30% lower CO₂ emissions compared to conventional concrete and minimal waste generated during the construction process.
While American companies like Icon have been at the forefront of 3D printed homes, primarily focusing on single-story designs, the Tapping project stands out for its ability to print structural walls for both stories in a short time frame. This advancement could signal a shift in the U.S. market, moving beyond single-story housing to more complex multi-story designs.
Although Contec has not disclosed the exact cost of the Tapping home, the company emphasizes that the structural walls were delivered at a significantly reduced price compared to standard masonry construction. In the U.S., 3D printed homes are typically priced between $100,000 and $150,000, depending on size and finishes. The potential savings from reduced labor and faster construction timelines make 3D printing an increasingly attractive option as housing costs continue to rise.
For American homeowners, builders, and communities, the Tapping project illustrates how 3D concrete printing could lead to faster, more affordable, and resilient housing solutions. The prospect of moving into a new home months earlier, with walls that are stronger and more sustainable, is appealing in a market that is often constrained by time and resources.
As 3D printed housing transitions from concept to reality, the Tapping home serves as a testament to the possibilities of modern construction technology. With the ability to erect walls in just 18 hours and complete a full build in a matter of months, this innovation could fundamentally change the way we approach housing development in the future.
As the industry continues to evolve, the question remains: if a 3D-printed home became available in your area, would you consider moving in?
Source: Original article