Most 3D-printed houses are typically built on a single level, or they involve adding an upper story using a traditional structure. However, a recent project by Contec Australia has achieved something remarkable: a fully 3D-printed, two-story home completed in just 18 hours. This innovative home is located in Tapping, Perth, and stands out as one of the few examples where both levels were entirely printed on-site.
A large 3D-printing robot from the Netherlands-based company CyBe was employed to extrude a cement-like mixture in layers, creating the basic shell of the home. Although the printing itself took only 18 hours, the entire project included additional work by human builders who took on the tasks of roofing, wiring, flooring, and more, culminating in a total project duration of five months.
According to Contec, the concrete mix used has several advantages. It sets hard in less than three minutes and possesses a compressive strength of 50 MPa—over three times that of standard bricks. Furthermore, the printed walls are designed to withstand cyclonic conditions, as well as being termite, fire, and water resistant—ideal traits for Western Australia’s diverse environmental challenges.
The finished home showcases a modern design, featuring a blend of textured "ribbed" walls alongside smoother surfaces. It consists of three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a garage, and even a small balcony, all designed to maximize natural light with ample glazing.
Though specific pricing details haven’t been disclosed, a representative from Contec has stated that the project was about 22% cheaper than a traditional masonry house built in the area, illustrating the cost-effectiveness of 3D-printed construction.