For nearly 50 years, Habitat for Humanity has helped repair or improve people’s homes and neighborhoods that are located in poor or disaster-inflicted areas. Not only do they help repair people’s homes or provide them with basic necessities, but they also sell homes to families with low- to-moderate incomes with a no-interest, 20- or 30-year mortgage. The Habitat Homebuyer Program becomes available to people who volunteer more than 300 hours of service, or “sweat equity,” and who make 45%–80% of an area’s median income. One woman in Virginia just made history with her new house that she helped construct and then bought from Habitat for Humanity. April Springfield’s new Virginia home may look like other houses in her neighborhood, but it’s the first home constructed by Habitat for Humanity on the East Coast using 3D printing. April has worked full time at a nearby hotel for five years and logged 300 hours of community service during that time.
With the costs of lumber soaring during construction, Habitat for Humanity saved an estimated 15% per square foot on the 1,200-square-foot house by using 3D printing. The house has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and is built mostly from concrete instead of wood. The concrete retains heat better and is more resistant to tornado and hurricane damage. The house also comes with its own mini- 3D printer that April can use to fix light switch covers and other small items that may need repairs down the line. They even added solar panels and a smart home system so April and her son will have lower energy costs throughout the year. And the 3D printing is much faster than a typical construction schedule. The entire house, dedicated at the end of December, was built in 28 hours as opposed to the typical time frame of four or more weeks.
IS THIS THE FUTURE FOR HOUSING CONSTRUCTION?
3D PRINTING LIKE YOU’VE NEVER SEEN BEFORE
With all of the benefits in mind, could 3D printing be the future for homebuilding?
SUDOKU
MUNCHIES WITH MOLLY
CHOCOLATE PECAN FONDUE
Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
This Valentine’s Day, forget the entree! Surprise your honey with a delicious chocolate treat!
INGREDIENTS •
1/2 cup half-and-half cream
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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2 tbsp honey
Fresh fruit of your choice
9 oz semisweet chocolate, broken into pieces
Shortbread cookies Large marshmallows
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1/4 cup pecans, finely chopped
DIRECTIONS
1. In a sturdy saucepan over low heat, combine cream and honey. Stir until mixed thoroughly and heat until warm. 2. Add in chocolate, stirring until melted. 3. Stir in pecans and vanilla.
4. Transfer to a fondue pot or a slow cooker to keep warm. 5. Serve with fruit, cookies, and marshmallows of your choice.
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