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Habitat for Humanity, a non-profit organization dedicated to poverty alleviation, is set to begin 3D printing affordable housing in Tempe, Arizona.
Using a COBOD BOD 2 concrete 3D printer, the organization is working with construction firm PERI and several other local partners to 3D print a single family house with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Once complete, a Habitat-selected family will be chosen to live in the house.
“This is really a moonshot opportunity for Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona,” said Jason Barlow, president and CEO of Habitat Central Arizona. “When we consider the housing issues facing Arizona, the need for affordable homeownership solutions becomes clear. If we can deliver decent, affordable, more energy-efficient homes at less cost, in less time, and with less waste, we think that could be a real game changer. Just think of the implications.”
The affordable housing shortage
According to Habitat, there is an ‘acute’ affordable housing shortage in Arizona, and the lack of affordable housing options is at an all-time high in the Phoenix metro area. In a bid to address the issue, the organization is turning to on-site concrete 3D printing. By cutting construction times drastically and eliminating the need for manual labor, the partners believe the technology could be a scalable solution to the problem.
Designed by Candelaria Design Associates, the 3D printed house will have a living space of 1,722 sq. ft. and will be ready for occupancy come September of this year. The BOD2 3D printer, which has a build volume of 40 x 50 x 25 feet, has already been set up at the construction site in Tempe. As well as 3D printed walls, the building will also feature an asphalt roof and a usable garage with an aluminum door.
Concrete 3D printing around the world
With every construction project, COBOD further cements itself as a leader in concrete 3D printing technology. PERI was selected for the project due to the company’s extensive experience in operating the BOD2 around Europe. Back in 2020, the system was used to 3D print the first ever market-ready house in Germany, followed by the largest 3D printed apartment block on the continent.
Taking it overseas, the BOD2 has also been involved in projects in Africa, the Middle East, North America, and Asia. Most recently, construction firm Printed Farms used the system to fabricate Florida’s first 3D printed building in January of this year. The rebar-reinforced storage unit featured a floorspace of 784 sq. ft., and the firm is now seeking permission to create two additional Floridian intercoastal villas.
Henrik Lund-Nielsen, Founder and General Manager of COBOD, concludes, “We are really pleased that our printers are now beginning to make a stronger inroad into the US construction market. More and more US companies realize that our technology is superior to what local suppliers can deliver. Our printers have done buildings in two US states now and more will follow in the coming months.”
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Featured image shows Habitat for Humanity at the construction site in Arizona. Photo via COBOD.
