Genesis
Genesis is the first full-scale 3D-printed concrete house in the Southern Hemisphere. Designed by Contour3D in response to the Australian housing crisis, the residence offers a cost-effective solution that preserves texture while minimising waste.
Located in the upmarket suburb of Woolooware, Genesis showcases a high-quality, affordable design made with cutting-edge technology. Its walls, kitchen island, front fencing with integrated planter boxes are produced by Contour3D’s dynamic printer, Opus, in contrast to traditional construction methods. Using its gantry-style 3D concrete printer, Contour3D printed directly onsite, enabling rapid, precise construction and delivering a customised finish with distinctive patterns and textures.“The biggest difference in the outcome is that 3D-printed concrete houses use a single material for the structural and internal wall elements,” says Nick Holden, founder of Contour3D. “That makes them very cost-effective.”
To further enhance performance, Genesis incorporates structural insulated panels from Versiclad. “The best geometries for these panels are the ones found on straight walls and square roofs,” says Manu Siitonen, general manager of modular building at Versiclad. “Since the top storey of Genesis is completely straight – unlike its curved lower storey – it was easy to apply wall and roof panels to this zone.” The products deliver three key benefits: requiring only one trade for installation, they compress the fitting process; they arrive ready to assemble, reducing waste; and their high R value promotes the energy efficiency of the building. In total, the project features approximately 100 Versiclad wall panels and 180 square metres of insulated roofing.
As a custom build, Genesis also champions tailored lighting solutions. Developed by CoLab, the lighting scheme layers individual elements to create a calming ambience while offering the owner greater control. “The inspiration came from the unique results of the 3D printing, from curved lines to high ceilings,” says Jenssen Turnowsky, business manager at CoLab. “Rather than the typical ‘floating the home’ strategy that relies heavily on downlights, we focused them on task areas and used alternative options to build mood. In the expansion joints along the hallway, we selected linear lighting technology to ensure even distribution without harsh glare.”
Amid the ongoing housing shortage, 3D printing is emerging as a high-quality, cost-effective solution. Designed with care and assembled at speed, Genesis represents a future where technology plays a larger role in supporting the construction process.
3D concrete printing by Contour3D. Manufacturing and engineered structural insulated panels by Versiclad.
Lighting by CoLab.
