The first 3D-printed house completed by Habitat for Humanity in the United States was handed over to its new owner on December 21

Habitat for the Peninsula of Humanity and Greater Williamsburg partnered with 3D printing construction specialist Alquist 3D, James City County and many others to build the three-bedroom property in Williamsburg, Virginia.

The construction team printed the 1,200 square foot home in 28 hours, cutting the standard construction schedule by approximately four weeks.

Concrete walls reduce construction and heating costs

Alquist’s use of concrete for the walls rather than wood saved approximately 15% per square foot on construction costs, while reducing heating and cooling costs and providing greater resistance to damage caused by tornadoes and hurricanes.

The owner of the new home, April, volunteered 300 hours helping the construction crew and working at the Habitat ReStore in Williamsburg as part of Habitat’s home ownership program.

The full-time hotel worker will pay off an interest-free mortgage to her local Habitat affiliate, with funds earmarked to build more homes for low- and middle-income families.

Habitat for Humanity works with volunteers to provide affordable homes

Habitat for Humanity was founded in 1976 by Millard and Linder Fuller with the concept of “housing in partnership,” which sees people in need working alongside volunteers to build affordable homes.

The organization’s volunteers included former US President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn.

Today, Habitat for Humanity works in all 50 US states and 70 countries around the world and has helped more than 39 million people find their homes.