Habitat For Humanity Central Arizona is leading the way in innovative affordable housing by building the first 3D printed home in the United States. As the cost of labor, lumber, and construction materials continues to rise, 3D printed homes seem to be the most promising solution. The use of printers also makes it possible to complete building during the hottest seasons of the year.
Adrienne Goolsby, senior vice president of U.S. and Canada at Habitat for Humanity International, said, “While we have found success in building small 3D-printed homes abroad, at 1,700 square feet, this home represents Habitat's entry into new, innovative space. It is the first of its kind in the U.S. and sets the stage for increased capacity through a solution that could be both sustainable and cost-effective."
Construction on the home began in May, using a Build On Demand printer from a Germany-based PERI group and traditional methods to create a future model. The single family home includes 1,738 square feet of livable space with 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, and an overlook to Clark Park with its community garden, ballfield, playground and recreation center.
Between 70% - 80% of the home will be 3D printed, including the internal and external walls, and the rest will use traditional methods of construction. Once construction is complete, the home will also be solar-powered. It’s completion should be ready by early fall, and could be occupied by October.
“When we consider the housing issues facing Arizona, the need for affordable homeownership solutions is clear," said Jason Barlow, president and CEO of Habitat Central Arizona. "If we can deliver decent, affordable, more energy-efficient homes at less cost, in less time and with less waste, we think this can be a real game-changer."
"This kind of innovation does not happen without amazing partners and we are extremely grateful to all of them. Bringing people together is central to our mission and in this case, we're bringing together new partners in the form of engineers, architects, developers and others looking for a breakthrough in the affordable housing space,” Barlow added.
For more information on Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona and their mission to improve affordable housing, click here.
