3D-Printed Home

Rising material costs and a shortage of skilled workers are making 3D printing more and more attractive as a means of meeting the growing demand for affordable housing. So, Habitat for Humanity recently partnered with a 3D printing company to construct its first home using these new fabrication methods.

The printer itself works on a gantry system, which allows for greater design flexibility. The one used for this Habitat house can print structures up to 22 feet wide by 25 feet deep by 19 feet high (6.8m x 7.7m x 5.8m). The interior and exterior walls are constructed using a patented concrete mix that is strong, durable, energy efficient and environmentally friendly. The size of the printing nozzle can be adjusted depending on the degree of detail needed, and the system can also print using mortar as well as materials with a high content of recycled components.

The finished 1,200-square-foot home has three bedrooms and two bathrooms, plus it includes a personal 3D printer for future repairs and replacement parts (e.g., trim pieces or cabinet knobs). After logging hundreds of hours of sweat equity work with Habitat, the owners took occupancy of their new dwelling just in time for Christmas.