NSW Government first 3D printed home uploaded online. Image: Facebook.
A NSW government rollout of an ambitious plan to build more social housing with 3D printing technology has garnered mixed reactions after the first home in the program was unveiled on social media.
Facebook lit up when a government department this week posted pictures of the duplex in Dubbo, the first property built in a program aimed at constructing public housing using 3D printable concrete.
Comments in recent days have ranged from criticisms of the appearance as “cheap and nasty” to concerns about safety and the weatherproof qualities.
The Aboriginal Housing Office (AHO) reported the use of 3D printed concrete in its duplexes would cut down typical construction times from 40 weeks to 20 weeks.
The office heralded the plan as a “landmark moment” back in May, with the newly unveiled Dubbo duplexes set to be part of AHO aims to deliver more new homes.
Government’s release of images of the first home printed with the 3D technology stirred both criticism and praise online.
Some of these comments alluded to the designs as cut and copy, with one user saying “quick build – quick fall down and fall apart”. Another user labelled the look of the duplexes as “cheap and nasty”.
The interior of the 3D printed home. Image: Facebook.
A common theme for many users online was confusion about one particular factor in design, with a slew of comments directed at the windows of the newly released Dubbo duplex.
“The windows are kicking my OCD into overdrive”, one social media user said.
Another user questioned: “what the heck is with the right side windows??” and “Amazing job, but think they may have put those windows in sidewards by accident.”
Some comments were positive. Many said the homes looked “awesome” and “fantastic”, labelling the plan “forward thinking and innovative”.
Others pointed to the need for the project to be expanded: “everyone deserves the right to a roof over their head – one that is safe and affordable”.
Acting AHO chief executive Loshana Karthikeya stated in May in a government release that “the completion of the Dubbo duplexes is a landmark moment for social housing in NSW”.
“The AHO is very excited to be trying new ways to provide high-quality homes for families,” she said.
The backyard of the 3D printed home. Image: Facebook.
AHO’s acting director of property Naef Qassis said 3D printing offered many benefits – including a shorter construction program, superior thermal qualities and less onsite waste.
These features would help drive cost savings, Mr Qassis said.
A Homes NSW Spokesperson said the AHO is exploring the potential to expand the use of 3D printing for social housing following the delivery of the pilot project.
“We’re currently evaluating how the technology performed and identifying other locations where it cud help deliver more homes, faster,” they said.
“We are exploring all modern methods of construction (MMC) to try and tackle the housing crisis. We have just announced the completion and insulation of the first modular social homes in Wollongong with another 90 MMC homes to be delivered in the next 12 months.
“Homes built as part of the MMC rollout will utilise a range of construction innovations, such as modular, kit-of-parts and adopting pattern principles and will be delivered across both metropolitan and regional NSW.”
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