Habitat for Humanity Dedicates Their First 3D-Printed Home

December 28, 2021

A family in Virginia received the keys to their new home just in time for Christmas.

It is Habitat for Humanity's first ever 3D-printed house.

Credit: Habitat for Humanity

"My son and I are so thankful," April Stringfield said. "I always wanted to be a homeowner. It's a dream come true."

Stringfield purchased the home through the Habitat Homebuyer Program. To qualify for this program, homebuyers must have income between 45-80% of the area median income and good credit. Habitat homes are sold at no profit with a zero-interest mortgage.

"Many people think Habitat gives homes away; we don't. We sell homes to families with low to moderate incomes," said Janet V. Green, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg.

Homebuyers also have to log 300 sweat equity or volunteer hours, another requirement of the Habitat Homebuyer Program.

Credit: Habitat for Humanity

The three-bedroom, two full baths home in Williamsburg is the first-ever completed 3D-printed Habitat house in the nation.

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

Alquist used concrete in lieu of lumber to print the exterior walls, which saved an estimated 15% per square foot in building costs.

The company also installed a 3D printer in the kitchen. Stringfield will receive a downloadable computer file that will allow her to print knobs, light switch covers and other replaceable parts with her very own printer.

Stringfield says she is excited to make new memories in a "place I can call home and give my son that backyard that he can play in."

"This is all for my son," Stringfield added. "If you truly believe in something, keep trying and you can do it."