Dubbo Regional Council: First 3D printed toilet block in the area

Housing shortages are plaguing the state but one regional NSW council is investing in a trial to begin 3D-printed accommodation - starting with a toilet block.

3D printed amenities block in Dubbo.

A council has invested in a trial to begin 3D-printed housing - starting with an amenities block - in an effort to address the long term housing shortage in NSW.

Dubbo Regional Council has teamed up with 3D Contour to develop an amenity building at Macquarie Lions Park West in Dubbo, including five female cubicles, five male urinals and cubicles and one accessibility toilet.

The development started construction on Monday morning and is expected to finish in 14 hours of printing, which is expected to be on Wednesday.

Mayor Mathew Dickerson said the amenities block was cheaper and more time-effective because it was worth $316,907 for more cubicles, while the Church St toilet block cost $495,247 for four cubicles in 2020.

He described the block as a trial for 3D-printed housing in reserved land in Keswick Estate and said it could potentially solve the housing crisis.

Dubbo Regional Council Mayor Mathew Dickerson.

“The price and the speed are the two main reasons why we’re doing it,” Cr Dickerson said.

He said there was difficulty to get tradespeople in the area, suggesting there is “more flexibility” with 3D printing but assured this publication tradies would still be needed for interior works.

3d Contour founder and chief executive Nick Holden added there were 40 per cent recycled materials in the concrete mix which are expected to grow to 75 per cent by the end of the year.

“It’s very eco-friendly, low carbon and low waste - we’re very impressed with council and their forward thinking,” Mr Holden said.

“The 3D concrete printing bridges the gap between technology and construction - we’re a technology company which builds.

“The most important guy for us is the one who sits behind the control system and laptop.”

3D printed amenities block in Dubbo.

Mr Holden addressed the initiative could be a solution towards affordable housing. He said the printer reduced 25 per cent of the cost and was completed in a “fraction of the time”.

Council’s major project manager Ian Whipple said starting council’s 3D printing journey with the amenities block was a “good starting point” because it was low risk.

“We thought it would be a good opportunity to use this technology to get some learning to see what mistakes get made,” he said.

“If we are to investigate into this technology in the future, we’ve already got an understanding of what sort of red flags there are, so we don’t come across them again - I’ve been really impressed so far.”