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Late December was an interesting time for Habitat for Humanity. In the United States, they had just dedicated a new home to a family that was completely built from 3D printed materials.

In an interview with WTKR News, the founder of Alquist 3D, Zachary Mannheimer, said you would never know it was 3D printed unless you were up close and personal with it. Considering the fact that it is getting increasingly difficult to purchase affordable housing, this is a true breakthrough.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

According to The Denver Channel, Tawkiyah Jordan of Habitat for Humanity had the following to say: “What the pandemic did for Habitat for Humanity International, and I think many in the affordable housing sector was (it) really raised the specter of the need for safe, quality, affordable housing for everyone. COVID kind of underscored the role of housing in our lives in every facet of our lives, including in our health outcomes.”

We all realize that there are housing gaps and 3D printing, according to Jordan, may help to span some of them. He said that the 3D printing process would continue to be tested by the organization to see what might work for their affiliates. He is hopeful that the country will catch up on the current need, but access to materials and technology can certainly go a long way in helping.

Photo: YouTube/WTKR News

In order to print the 1200 square-foot home, 28 hours of work were required. It happened in Virginia and was completed four weeks quicker than a typical construction schedule.

As far as the costs are concerned, Janet V. Green, the CEO of Habitat for Humanity Peninsula & Greater Williamsburg in Virginia said that it was up to 20% less than a typical home. She also said that savings could grow in the future.

Green feels that the key may be in doing multiple homes at one time and working with more machines. Using one machine as a 3D printer is expensive for a single home. There is also the cost of contractors, which adds significantly to the price as well.

Photo: YouTube/WTKR News

Although Habitat for Humanity is attempting to build affordable homes, they are not trying to replace a service sector. It is her hope that more young people will become interested in this type of technology so the industry will continue to expand.

The new homeowner, April Springfield, is very excited about living in her 3D-printed home. She spoke about her great-grandmother, Daisy Springfield, who had a concrete home and she grew up in it. Now she gets to carry on the tradition of her great-grandmother.

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