April Stringfield and her son break ground on their 3D-printed house. Photo Credit: Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and greater Williamsburg

SocietyTechnology USA8. January 2022

3D-Printed Houses: Affordable and Sustainable

Upon joining forces with a 3D-printing technology company, an American nonprofit widened its mission to not only offer affordable housing but to also become sustainable, as both organizations fight against housing shortage. 

“Habitat is the perfect partner because we share the same mission – affordable housing for those in need,” says Zack Mannheimer, CEO of Alquist. “We must get back to helping working people achieve the American dream, and that begins with homeownership. Our partnership [with Habitat for Humanity] takes this cause on directly, and we plan to continue this relationship for years to come.”

Habitat for Humanity’s houses are mainly carried by volunteers since the 1970s. The nonprofit is now changing its business model to print its first 3D house on the East Coast — in the State of Virginia — and the first resident turning this house to a home is hotel worker April Springfield alongside her son. Springfield is donating her own time to building her home, and once it’s done, her monthly payment will cost her no more than 30% of her income. The 3D printed house is made of concrete, a durable material that allows reducing costs by 15%, heating and cooling, and long-term maintenance. Additionally, concrete better withstands natural disasters, meaning that printed houses are more sustainable in the long term. As 3D printing technology becomes increasingly more accessible, should Habitat for Humanity opt to produce affordable houses through this means, the nonprofit would reduce its costs and therefore could increase its production.

Source:
Green Matters

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