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NSW Reveals First 3D-Printed Social Housing Gets Mixed Public Reaction

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Business Honor- NSW’s First 3D‑Printed Social Housing Sparks Mixed Reaction

Business Honor
18 July, 2025

The NSW public housing project that was 3D printed has received acclaim for its speed but criticism for its design.

A new social housing initiative in New South Wales using 3D printing has received mixed feedback after the first home got released online. The Aboriginal Housing Office (AHO) shared photos of a newly completed duplex in Dubbo, built with 3D-printed concrete. The project is part of a government's attempt to use 3D printing to speed up construction and reduce building costs for public housing.

The average building time can be reduced from 40 weeks to just 20 weeks with 3D printing, according to the AHO. Also, it provides advantages including improved thermal efficiency and decreased construction waste which might eventually result in cost savings. On social media, the public's response has been mixed. The new residences were hailed by some as "progressive" and "advanced." Others voiced their disapproval of the design, particularly the odd window placement.

One user questioned whether the windows were “put in sidewards by accident.” Another criticized the structure as "cheap and nasty," casting doubt on its resilience to weather. Notwithstanding the criticism, several users showed the project's importance, focusing the need for economical housing and advocating for program expansion. One commenter expressed that everyone deserves a safe and affordable roof over their head.

Acting AHO Chief Executive Loshana Karthikeya described the project as a “landmark moment,” while property director Naef Qassis said the technology could help deliver better and faster housing options. The AHO is now reviewing the results of the pilot and looking into using 3D printing in other areas. Homes NSW also confirmed the government is considering other modern construction methods, such as modular and kit-based builds, as part of a broader plan to tackle the housing crisis across the state.