Torus Technologies FAQ Sheet
What is 3D Concrete Printing (3DCP)
3DCP is defined as a process for fabricating buildings, structures, and building elements from 3D model data using automated computer-controlled machinery to ‘print’ via deposits of construction material (cement, sand, recycled low carbon aggregates) in a layer-by-layer fashion until the structure is completed (ICC Digital Code,2021, Architecture Archive, 2025).
Torus Technologies directly services builders and developers, enabling them to deliver faster, more efficient, and resilient housing outcomes through the printing of the external and internal wall frames of a housing project.
How does it print to precision?
Using computer-aided design (CAD) software, digital 3D structures are designed. The slicing software splits the designs in layers and generates instructions for the printer. As 3DCP is an additive manufacturing process, it calculates the exact quantity of material required and uses only what is needed, thus reducing construction waste significantly. Automation reduces the need for manual intervention and reduces risk in human error.
What is the concrete mix made of?
Concrete mixes vary by manufacturer to manufacturer, each with a specific ‘secret sauce’ formula impacting its aesthetic and performance. Standard components include Portland Cement, sand, water, aggregates, and additives with optional admixtures like hydrated lime or pigments. Torus Technologies works with suppliers offering low-carbon mixes that reduce environmental impact by incorporating alternative, recycled materials such as fly ash, slag, or calcined clay in place of some cement, improving strength, durability, and resistance to natural disasters.
Are the concrete properties in accordance and compliant with NCC standards?
Absolutely. While the NCC sets a minimum requirement of 20 MPa for concrete strength, one of the proprietary mixes we use far surpasses this benchmark—reaching compressive strengths in 7 days of 34 MPa and within 28 days of up to 55 MPa. This exceptional durability not only provides robust resistance to weather events such as, cyclones, hurricanes, floods, and fire, but also offers a sustainable alternative to traditional cement applications.
Compliance however must be in line with all relevant local building codes and standards, and approval processes may vary between states and local councils. Torus Technologies’ head office is in Victoria, Australia, where the Building Act 1993 and the National Construction Code (NCC), that includes the Referenced Standards, apply.
Do I need a special permit for a 3D printed home?
You will need the same permit as for a traditionally built home, including planning permission and building approval. It’s advisable to consult your building surveyor and local council early in the process.
Torus Technologies engage local engineers to provide independent engineering certification for all printed wall structures and forms.
Why choose a 3D printed home?
In addition to enhancing sustainability and durability, notable advantages include design flexibility and cost benefit. From a design standpoint, versatility enables the creation of intricate curves and forms without incurring significant expenses. In typical residential applications, architectural features and complex structures are often less feasible due to the specialised expertise required for accurate execution. 3D concrete printing (3DCP) allows for precise and rapid production of complex designs with minimal effort.
Time efficiency translates to financial savings. The accelerated pace of wall construction using 3D printing, as opposed to traditional bricklaying or timber frame requiring formwork, results in both time and application cost savings. Quite simply, both labour and material costs are less. By choosing a 3D printed home, clients benefit immediately from both upfront and long-term costs and can expedite the move-in timeframe.
How durable is a 3D printed home?
Extremely. Concrete structures are commonly cited for their exceptional durability, with lifespans that may reach up to 100 years. However, actual longevity is subject to variation based on the quality of materials employed and prevailing environmental conditions. When compared to traditional build methods, a 3D printed home is likely to surpass a timber frame or brick home noting concrete is one of the most super durable materials around.
How environmentally friendly is 3D printing?
3D printing is known to reduce construction waste and energy use and with utilisation of sustainable materials, a lower carbon footprint. The environmental impact will depend on the materials chosen and the overall design of the home. Torus Technologies is committed to reducing the environmental impact and only purchase low carbon material from suppliers who share the same ethos and practise.
Is a 3D printed home more affordable?
In general, the overall upfront construction costs of a project are often less due to the reduced labour required and the lowered material waste. There is greater ongoing cost savings due to the durable and sustainable walls requiring little maintenance through the lifecycle of the home. Affordability, however, depends on design size and complexity, location and materials used. At present, material is the most variable component. Australia has limited suppliers which at present attract a significantly higher cost than the material we can seek overseas. We anticipate this will change as more competitors come into the market and the build method is more widely adopted. All things considered, the material is likely to be less compared to the cost of materials and labour required for traditional build methods.
Time efficiency translates to financial savings. The accelerated pace of wall construction using 3D printing, as opposed to traditional bricklaying or timber frame requiring formwork, results in both time and application cost savings. By choosing a 3D printed home, clients could benefit immediately from both upfront and long-term costs and are likely expedite the move-in timeframe.
How long does it take to print a home?
Printing residential wall structures can take as little as a few weeks for a standard sized house. Studios can be erected in a few days whilst larger homes can take longer but it all depends on the size, speed and material used. Additional time will need to be factored for internal finishes such as electrical, plumbing, cabinetry and other interior fittings and fixtures. For example, Australia’s first two-storey 3D printed home took only 5 months to complete turnkey. It demonstrates that 3D printed homes are quicker to erect and complete than traditional built homes that are taking on average 12.7months to complete (MBA, November 2024).
So how do you make provisions for the electrical and plumbing systems?
In the same way as a traditional build, the electrical and plumbing systems sit within the wall cavities. When 3D printed, these voids are designed and printed within the wall structure to accommodate pipes, conduits, wiring and junction boxes. Precise locations for the outlets, switches and fixtures allow the printer to incorporate these seamlessly so trades can simply gain access and connect the services in the locations provided (via a cut out hole in the printed wall).
What are my options for the wall finishes?
The beauty of a 3D printed wall is in its durability and low maintenance. If the organic layered look is not your preference, the walls can be finished in either cladding, render, tiles or easily painted. Whilst you will need to factor in the extra trades and subsequent time and cost, you have options, whether that is immediate or sometime later.
Are there size limitations to 3D printed homes?
Most 3D printers have size constraints, dependent on whether the technology employed is a gantry or robotic machine system. While both are designed to ‘print’ building components layer by layer, they differ in their structure, range of motion, and adaptability. A gantry set-up is excellent for producing straightforward box-like structures within a defined area, ideal for greenfield sites. A hydraulic, or robotic arm printer on the other hand, is ideal for producing complex shapes and structures and for deployment on tight construction or infill sites as they can reach around and over obstacles. They are flexible and manoeuvrable and suited for unconventional and complex designs. Both systems have their advantages and are known for their precision and stability during the printing process.
What are the main challenges or limitations in a 3D printed home?
The main challenge in our opinion is in the material and the choice to buy local from manufacturers in Australia as they are quite limited. There is also quite a gap in price compared with overseas product that can be obtained far cheaper than the cost it takes to produce here, however, in time this will shift as new entrants to the market create competition. Another challenge is in finding the right skilled engineers and operators familiar with 3D construction printing. Sometimes we need to look further afield to obtain the most skilled in this sector. However, as 3D construction printing matures in Australia, this knowledge is transferred to within our local workforce.