The Victorian government’s recent visit to a 3D printed house in Wyndham Vale marked a significant step forward in the state’s housing construction industry. Housing Minister Harriet Shing and Werribee MP John Lister were among the guests who attended the tour, led by Ahmed Mahil, the CEO of Luyten, a company that specializes in 3D concrete printing technology.
Breaking Down Barriers to Affordable Housing
Mahil believes that 3D printing can help small-to-medium-sized businesses produce cheaper housing and overcome the labor scarcity issue in the traditional building process. By replacing multiple trades, 3D printing can streamline the construction process, reducing costs and increasing efficiency.
- Five trades are replaced: foundation work, framing, roofing, insulation, and finishing work
- Using eco-friendly concrete, a resilient material that is also cost-effective
- Reducing labor costs and increasing productivity
Mahil emphasized that 3D printing is not just a novelty, but a viable solution for addressing the housing crisis. He pointed out that several companies in New South Wales have already adopted his technology, and he is confident that it will become a game-changer for the industry.
Key Features of the 3D Printed House
The 3D printed house in Wyndham Vale boasts several innovative features, including:
- Self-shading wall: a wall that adjusts its shading to optimize energy efficiency
- Wall with air pockets: a cavity for power conduits and other essential services
- Pizza oven: a unique feature that adds to the house’s charm
The house is designed by AI and executed by the 3D printer, making it a true marvel of modern technology. Mahil plans to use the house as his own home, demonstrating the practicality and feasibility of 3D printing in residential construction.
Government Support for Innovation
The Victorian government’s support for innovative construction methods is evident in its recent visit to the 3D printed house. Housing Minister Harriet Shing emphasized the importance of technology in addressing the housing crisis. “This is where 3D printing has proven to be a really significant player in the market globally,” she said. “Across Scandinavia and the US in particular, 3D printing of homes and of buildings and of homes has been a really important part of making sure that the growth can be accommodated.”
Ms Shing is continuing to work with federal counterparts as part of a joint approach to address the housing challenge.
Local Opportunities
Werribee MP John Lister expressed his excitement about the opportunities that 3D printing technology can bring to Wyndham. He highlighted the potential for innovation to drive growth and development in the area. “Having sites like this here in Wyndham, shows that Wyndham has always been a place where innovation happens,” he said. The 3D printed house in Wyndham Vale is a testament to the power of innovation in addressing the housing crisis. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how this technology shapes the future of housing construction in Victoria.
Conclusion
The visit to the 3D printed house in Wyndham Vale marked a significant step forward in Victoria’s housing construction industry. The use of 3D printing technology can help address the housing crisis by providing affordable housing options and overcoming labor scarcity. As the industry continues to innovate, it is clear that the future of housing construction in Victoria will be shaped by this technology.
