Contec, a construction and design agency based in Australia, recently announced its new 3D printed two-story family home located in Tapping, Perth. This new housing project, known as the Tapping Residence, is unlike its predecessors, is a multi-story building that does not rely on traditional framing for its upper floors. This makes it one of the very few multi-story 3D printed homes worldwide, completed in just under 18 hours.
The project utilized a robotic printer from the Dutch company CyBE, which extrudes a special concrete mixture layer by layer directly on site. Contec’s specialized concrete formula sets within minutes and achieves a compressive strength of nearly 50 MPa, over three times stronger than standard brickwork. The concrete is cyclone-rated, fire/water resistant, and termite-proof, making it both durable and resilient in Australia’s climate. Additionally, the thermal and acoustic efficiency of the structure allows it to be long-lasting and sustainable.
The printer used in the Tapping Residence was from the Netherlands based firm CyBe
The 3D printed shell of the house was able to be completed in just under a day. The inside of the house, including plumbing, electronics, and interior design, was later completed over several months. The final house features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a garage, and a small balcony. On the front of the house are large windows with extensive glazing, which balances the ribbed texture of the printed walls with smooth and modern finishes inside.
Contec reported that the home costs around 22% less to make than an equivalent masonry house. This highlights the economic advantages of 3D printing houses, including reduced labor costs and faster construction timelines. The entire project was completed in just five months from start to finish, showcasing that large-scale 3D printing can help accelerate delivery without compromising quality.
The project seeks to mesh the 3D printed walls with modern glazing and design elements.
The Tapping residence now stands as a new benchmark for construction innovation in Australia. By combining sustainability, speed, and resilience, Contec’s multi-story home showcases how additive manufacturing is moving beyond just prototypes and expieremental builds. Nowadays, 3D printed developments are delivering real and durable homes that meet and often exceed building standards. With their scalable applications now available across both Perth and regional Western Australia, 3D concrete printing is poised to reshape the future of affordable and sustainable housing in Australia.
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*All Photo Credits: Contec Australia