This week, Virginia native April Stringer is in the headlines for becoming the owner of one of Habitat for Humanity’s first 3D homes.
Stringfield and her 13-year-old son were handed the keys to their new home in Williamsburg, Va.
According to the press release, the three-bedroom home with two full baths is the nation’s first-ever completed 3D printed Habitat house. Representatives from Habitat for Humanity International, elected and public officials, local businesses, media, volunteers and supporters attended the key-giving ceremony on the first day of winter.
Stringfield was filled with gratitude.
“My son and I are so thankful,” she said. “I always wanted to be a homeowner. It’s a dream come true.”
To qualify for one of the homes, volunteers must log 300 sweat equity or volunteer hours. Stringfield is employed full-time for five years at a nearby hotel. She will pay the no-interest 20-30 year mortgage back to the local Habitat affiliate.
Habitat homebuyers must have income between 45 and 80% of the area’s median income. They must also have excellent credit and the means to pay for their new Habitat home. Funds earmarked to go toward building future homes for qualified families.
The construction crew printed the 1,200 square foot home in 28 hours.
“What you see…is four years of blood, sweat and tears of figuring out how to make this happen,” said Zachary Mannheimer, founder and CEO of Alquist. “Virginia is the leader in 3D printing home construction, hands down.”
James City County’s Neighborhood Development Administrator Vaughn Poller, told The Roanoke Times that the program is bringing the county one step closer to bridging its affordable housing gap.
“I’m really excited about the opportunity to be a part of this technology in housing and being on the cutting edge there,” Poller said. “But none of this would have happened without partnerships, that what’s really vital.”
