Up to one hundred concrete 3D-printed holiday cabins are planned for central western NSW at a build duration of just 11 hours each.
The “technology company that builds” is Contour3D, established in 2020, which engineered its own 3D printer and developed a concrete mix, Contourcrete, with UNSW.
The company is collaborating with Group Architects and Dubbo Regional Council (DRC), the first Australian council to use 3D printing for its infrastructure.
A 148 sqm public amenities block in Dubbo (pictured) including the walls, roof and internal structure, was built last week in 25 hours using 25 tonnes of Contourcrete with its printer, Opus One.
According to Contour3D, the planned eco cabins for a site adjacent to Dubbo’s Western Plains Zoo are designed to withstand the harsh conditions of the Australian climate and provide thermal control and a strong, durable structure.
“The vision for the park is to incorporate 50-100 spacious luxury 3D printed eco-cabins, large caravan areas with 3D printed ensuites, small water park, 3D printed kids’ playground, BBQ, kitchen and amenities facilities and sprawling landscaped areas,” the company stated.
“The cabins are designed to complement the landscape and be like nothing else ever seen in this market space.”
The DRC is looking at using the technology for housing, with land already allocated for a 3D housing project in the near future, according to ABC News. Earthworks on the holiday park site are expected to start this year.
About the author
Desi Corbett
Desi is our weekly news journalist and the editor of Concrete in Australia magazine for 10 years. She has been heavily involved in all forms of engineering since 2013; part of a 30-year writing career across a range of subjects and media.