Habitat for Humanity is a long-standing nonprofit whose mission is to provide affordable home ownership to low-income families around the world. Currently, that includes areas of the United States where affordable housing is in short supply. In Tempe, Arizona, Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona is building its first 3D-printed home on American soil.
“This is really a moonshot opportunity for Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona,” said Jason Barlow, president and CEO of Habitat Central Arizona. “When we consider the housing issues facing Arizona, the need for affordable homeownership solutions becomes clear. If we can deliver decent, affordable, more energy-efficient homes at less cost, in less time and with less waste, we think that could be a real game-changer. Just think of the implications.”
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While the current build is a single residence that will house an approved family, the goal is to use the innovative technology to provide sustainable, scalable, low-cost housing across Arizona and other areas of the country. The home, perched above Clark Park, will be a three-bedroom, two-bathroom single-story dwelling when it is complete. The project is actually a bit of a hybrid, with around 75% of the building being 3D-printed and the rest constructed in standard ways. However, the use of the Build on Demand Printer (BOD 2) by the Germany-based PERI Group speeds up the process, which began in May 2021. Construction is expected to wrap up in early fall of this year.
“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,” said Adrienne Goolsby, senior vice president of U.S. and Canada at Habitat for Humanity International, in a statement.
The 3D-printing process equates to less expensive building supplies, which results in an overall lower project cost. Relying on the automated technology also reduces construction waste. Furthering the goal toward more sustainable building practices, Habitat Central Arizona is aiming to qualify for LEED Platinum certification along with IBHS FORTIFIED Home designation.
Goolsby said, “We’re proud of Habitat Central Arizona’s research and progress using this new technology, and will continue to assess its potential to be scaled and more widely adopted so that we can further address the critical issue of home affordability in the U.S.”
+ Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona
Via Tech Plus
Images via Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona
