Habitat for Humanity kicks off work on its first 3D-printed U.S. home
By Matt Hickman • June 16, 2021 • Tempe, Arizona
In Arizona, the state with the fourth most dire affordable housing shortage according to National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC)’s recently released Gap report, the Central Arizona chapter of global nonprofit Habitat for Humanity is looking to pave the way for new modes of sustainable, scalable low-cost housing across the Grand Canyon State. How? With the aid of ample local largesse and a massive 3D printer imported from Germany.
While Habitat for Humanity has historically been quick to embrace emerging construction methods that help to drive down construction costs and boost efficiency, Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona’s latest build, a solar-ready single-family residence overlooking Clark Park in Tempe, marks the first 3D-printed home building project for the nonprofit in the United States. Construction on the three-bedroom, two-bathroom single-story dwelling began last month and is expected to wrap up in early fall. Income-qualified Tempe homeowners are currently being identified through Habitat’s standard application process, and once an eligible homeowner is selected, they could move into their 3D-printed digs as early as this October.