Habitat for Humanity gives Virginia family a new home constructed with 3D printing

In a remarkable marriage of technology and charity, Habitat for Humanity provided a Virginia family its first-ever home constructed by 3D printing.

April Stringfield, of Williamsburg, Va., and her 13-year-old-son were the lucky recipients four days before Christmas of the home from Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg.

Stringfield purchased the home through the Habitat Homebuyer Program. “My son and I are so thankful,” she said during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “I always wanted to be a homeowner. It’s a dream come true.” 

Habitat for Humanity partnered with Alquist for a project hailed as a milestone for both the nonprofit organization and the future of housing.

“The construction crew printed the 1,200-square foot home in 12 hours — reducing the standard construction schedule by at least four weeks,” the group said.

Additionally, Habitat’s press release noted the use of concrete for the home's walls saved an estimated 15% per square foot in building costs. 

“Concrete better retains temperature, saving on heating and cooling costs, and is more resistant to tornado and hurricane damage,” the nonprofit noted.

A 3D printer is installed by Alquist in the kitchen of every home it builds, Habitat said. “April will receive a downloadable computer file that will allow her to print knobs, light switch covers and other replaceable parts with her very own 3D printer.”