Habitat for Humanity completes the first 3D-printed homeApril Springfield and her 13-year-old son have officially moved into Habitat for Humanity’s first finished and occupied 3D home in the United States.Habitat for the Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg partnered with 3D printing firm Alquist to build the home in Williamsburg, Virginia. April Springfield is strangled next to her 13-year-old son on December 21st. The couple built a 3D home by Habitat for the Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg, Virginia. Habitat for the Humanity Peninsula and Greater WilliamsburgThe entire exterior of the 1,200-square-foot home with three bedrooms and two bathrooms was built using 3D technology.“I’ve always wanted to be a homeowner, and it’s like a dream come true. [I]”It’s hard work raising my son, but I think I’m doing a good job,” said an emotional Springfield during the ceremony to cut ties on December 21 outside her new home. “I’m trying to show him if you believe in something so you can do it. “The new home reminds her of her childhood home, she added.Concrete used by Alquist to construct the 3D exterior resulted in estimated savings of up to 15 percent per square foot. square feet in construction costs. Concrete provides additional long-term savings due to better temperature retention, savings on heating and cooling costs and better resistance to tornado and hurricane damage.Each new home built by Habitat for the Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg also complies with EarthCraft certifications or participation in a voluntary green building program aimed at reducing utility bills and minimizing environmental damage.Springfield has been working at a local hotel for nearly five years overseeing laundry facilities. But her income remains less than about 80 percent of her community’s median income.Due to being part of Habitat for Humanity’s homebuyer program, Springfield’s home has resulted in monthly mortgage repayments no greater than 30 percent of her income, as well as her property taxes and homeowners insurance. A street view of the 1,200-square-foot 3D-printed house with three bedrooms. Officials from Habitat for Humanity said it took about 28 hours to print the exterior of the home. Habitat for the Humanity Peninsula and Greater WilliamsburgJanet V. Green, CEO of Habitat for the Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg, told Newsweek that many people believe that the non-profit organization is simply building homes left and right with no conditions attached.That is not the case, she said, as homeowner families still have to apply and show need, permanent employment and good credit.In Springfield’s case, she applied for the homebuyer program in 2019 along with four other families in Williamsburg. She was then proposed with the option of receiving a 3D home.“I would not say it was so much as luck [to get the 3D home offer] when she was next on the Habitat list, “Green said.Springfield was first approached to use the technology in the summer of 2021. Thereafter, construction began in late July, early August, and the house was inaugurated on December 21st.Green said it took about 28 hours to print the exterior of the home, reducing the standard construction plan by four weeks. The interior of the home mimics any other traditional home.Springfield and her son spent their first night at home on December 26th. The assessment has not yet been completed, so it is unclear what the overall cost savings will be due to the utilization of the technology.“We hope this technology will be used a lot going forward,” Green said. “We like to say that this is another tool in the toolbox.”She clarified that she does not believe that 3D construction will replace standard technicians, in addition to the countless volunteers participating in Habitat projects. Habitat for Humanity’s first national 3D home is located in Williamsburg, Virginia. April Springfield and her 13-year-old son moved into the new home on December 26th. Habitat for the Humanity Peninsula and Greater WilliamsburgFor Green, who has been with the local Habitat organization for 20 years, it is always a thrill to complete any home and see the twinkle in children’s eyes, as they are likely to grow in a community and contribute in many ways when they become older, she said.But this construction was unique.“The difference primarily with this home is that we were so highly honored that we had numerous partnerships and generosity with many builders and donors,” she said. “Over 50 businesses contributed to this home, either by donating cash or in kind.”Alquist’s future 3D projects include housing in rural communities in Arkansas, California, Iowa, North Carolina, North Dakota and Pennsylvania.