Williamsburg, Virginia – April Stringfield and her 13-year-old son received the keys to their 3D-printed home just days before Christmas this year. The new home made history as it is Habitat for Humanity’s first 3D project in the US and the first owner occupied 3D-printed home in the world.
April said she had always dreamed of owning a home for years, but as a single mother she has been balancing between three jobs which didn’t provide enough income for her to afford her own place. She applied for the help of Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg to purchase her home.
“My son and I are so thankful,” Stringfield said during a Dec. 21 Habitat for Humanity Facebook livestream event outside her new house. “I always wanted to be a homeowner. It’s like a dream come true.”
Habitat for Humanity partnered with a 3D printing company Alquist to build the 1,200-square-foot, three-bedroom home. The work time was reduced due to the innovative technology. Construction crews began printing the house’s concrete walls in July, saving about 15% on building costs in the process.
The exterior and interior walls of the home were printed in just 12 hours. This step reduced the standard construction time by at least four weeks.
The new home has three bedrooms and two bathrooms and was built from concrete.
Using concrete for the walls instead of lumber meant saving on the costs. In the US, lumber prices have risen 50 per cent since the pandemic began. April’s future bills will be also lower as concrete retains temperature more effectively than wood, saving on heating and cooling costs.
In addition, the walls are more resistant to tornado and hurricane damage. The home will be outfitted with solar panels for even more cost savings after the family moves in.
The new house is equipped with its own 3D printer, so April will be able to print knobs, light switch covers and other replaceable parts if needed.
Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg raised funds for the house with the help of sponsors, a community crowdfunding campaign and its charity golf tournament.
The only other 3D printed Habitat home is currently under construction in Tempe, Arizona.
