Trial of 3D-printed homes in Alice Springs to start in coming weeks

Cutting-edge technology is being adopted in the Red Centre, and it could have a big impact on housing in the Territory.

THE solution to the Territory’s housing problems could lie in cutting-edge technology, with a new pilot project in the Red Centre set to start next month.

Construction and 3D printing company Luyten and the Ilpeye Ilpeye Aboriginal ­Corporation have signed an agreement to build five 3D printed homes in Alice Springs, with construction to start next month.

Luyten claims to be able to build a three-bedroom home in as little as three days, heralding it as a first for ­Australia and the southern hemisphere.

The build cost for a home is 70 per cent less than conventional building methods.

The company uses special 3D-printing concrete, which dries quickly and can be assembled into homes that meet building standards.

Luyten will build five 3D printed homes in the Northern Territory. Picture: Luyten

Luyten co-founder and chief executive Ahmed Mahil said the five home projects could pave the way to helping solve housing crises being experienced in remote communities across the Territory.

“We are delighted that our technology will be used to help address the urgent need for high-quality, affordable and durable housing solutions in the Northern Territory,” Mr Mahil said.

“It is wonderful to see our technology and capabilities now been adopted here in Australia to help solve the growing housing affordability crisis.”

Mr Mahil said projects that traditionally took months or years to finish could now be completed in just days.

Luyten chief executive Ahmed Mahil. Picture: Supplied

“The 3D concrete printing revolutionary technology reduces 60 per cent of construction waste, 70 per cent of production time, and 80 per cent of labour costs when comparing hands-on construction projects,” he said.

Ilpeye Ilpeye Aboriginal Corporation spokesman Dr Salvin Gounder said the initiative was step towards using 3D printing to deliver homes for Indigenous Australians.

“This will be a major achievement and step forward for the future in what will hopefully be the start of many more 3D printing housing projects in the Northern Territory, and other states across the country,” Dr Gounder said.

“This is an investment towards a long-term sustainable future in housing development for Indigenous people.

“We are excited to see the 3D houses completed and ­people living in them. IIAC sees this is a golden opportunity to showcase an Indigenous partnership towards a new approach to housing using innovative 3D printing technology to build houses,” Dr Gounder said.