Image shows a Luyten 3D construction printer constructing a concrete wall.

Luyten 3D is working on a 3D printing solution to make housing cheaper in regional and remote Australia.

While most Australians live in major cities, a significant proportion of people reside in remote settlements from farming and mining locations to Indigenous communities. A major challenge affecting housing affordability in these communities are the additional costs required to transport building materials and labour over vast distances.

With the support of a $3 million Cooperative Research Centres Project (CRC-P) grant, Luyten 3D is working with the University of New South Wales, Giraffe Technology, and Ark Built to develop new housing manufacturing technologies to address this challenge.

While 3D printing reduces the costs of bringing various building materials and trades to remote communities, our 3D printing software also reduces supply chain issues of building elements that cannot be 3D printed.
— Prof M. Hank Haeusler, Research Lead UNSW

Using 3D printing to build houses faster and cheaper

Currently, the fallback position to this problem has been prefabricated housing transported to the remote site where they are assembled.

However, these buildings often do not meet local environmental requirements. Prefabricated homes can also be costly and unsuitable to live in.

Luyten 3D and UNSW are developing a 3D print solution, including hardware and software, to build houses faster and cheaper using carbon neutral materials. Outback conditions are rough and the 3D printer gantry is being designed to:

  • operate off-road
  • withstand extreme temperatures
  • be lightweight to reduce transport costs.

The company says its technology can improve construction site efficiency, delivering significant cost and time savings.

Through our expertise in computational design we can respond to local conditions or customer needs. The design is manufactured via 3D printing to create a custom-made home with the specific needs of the inhabitants in minds. Instead of a one fits all, you get a house that suits your needs.
— Prof M. Hank Haeusler, Research Lead UNSW

Trial to head west

The project outcomes are currently being trialled in regional Victoria, before expanding to outback locations. This includes further testing research findings in Walgett in NSW. That would potentially be part of UNSW’s community-led development program aimed at improving the wellbeing, social, built and physical environment and life pathways of Indigenous people.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reports the quality and affordability of housing is a fundamental contributor to health and affects a range of health indicators. By investing in this project potential savings in health and welfare are possible.
— Mr Ahmed Mahil, Luyten 3D CEO

With the introduction of digital technology in the construction sector, the global market is expected to grow to US$29 billion by 2027 (Building 4.0 CRC). The CRC-P is helping to position Luyten 3D as a leader in digital technology within the construction sector.

Their joint effort will help place Australia at the forefront of developing affordable housing for remote communities.

Further information