A possible solution for more affordable housing in Arizona

Habitat for Humanity unveiled its progress on a 3D-printed home in the city, the first of its kind for the nonprofit in the country, and said it could be a possible solution to the lack of affordable housing in the area. Between 70% and 80% of the three-bedroom, two-bathroom single-family home is 3D-printed.

We talked with Debra Bradley, the Chief Operating Officer at Habitat for Humanity, Central Arizona. We talk about the logistics of a printed house. It is in Tempe. She compares a 3D-printed home to wood or other material home.

She said the walls are printed with a type of concrete material. She said the home is 1700 livable square feet. Bradley compares the cost of the 3D printed home vs a regular home. She believes when this has been more perfect, it will be faster, with less cost, and less waste.

She said they will need a little bit of time before they meet those goals. When it becomes more of a mainstream way of building, it will be less. Right now it is a little more pricey because it is so new.

The home started being printed in mid-May. They printed in 3 phases and then finished printing the home in 3 phases. She said it will only get faster. We talked about the technology of this and how it works. She compares it to a piping bag of frosting and how it works.

Lastly, We talked about the affordable housing impact of this. She said she invites everyone to consider the many ways that housing can be more affordable. She said this will be a game-changer but it is only one of many ways that this can happen. She believes this will make the home very energy efficient and good for the families.