Planned for a year, this first of it's kind Habitat for Humanity 3D printed home in Tempe, Arizona is about 85% complete! This unique home will be very energy efficient and is achieving LEED Platinum certification, US Green Building Council's highest awarded home. The home features about 1800 square feet, 3 bedroom, 2 bath, and is across the street from a neighborhood park. It's one of 4 homes being built on 19th Street; land that was formerly owned by the City of Tempe.
Due to the pandemic and ensuing issues, construction that was originally set to start in January began in May, 2021. As you can imagine, construction during the summer time in the Sonoran Desert is completed between 5 am and noon each day before temperatures sore. Since the home is built on a two foot slab and printed in layers, the process took longer than most 3D printed homes in other climate zones where temperatures are more moderate. We were told that 30 pounds of ice was brought in daily to keep the concrete at a temperature for it to set without cracking.
This video shows some of the process in June, 2021.
Volunteers with the Residential Committee, US Green Building Council, toured the home February 1, 2022, and were impressed with the construction. We learned that there is spray foam in the walls, Anderson windows, Energy Star appliances and a 6K solar system, These feature practically guarantee little if any electric bill for the new owners!
Pictured with us is Jason Barlow, CEO, Habitat for Humanity. Jason was formerly an Air Force pilot, retiring after 20 years. During the 9/11 time period, he worked for a telecommunications company that went bankrupt due to the recession. Thereafter, he transitioning to the creation of TSA, Homeland Security, before eventually becoming CEO of a hospital in New York State. After relocating to Scottsdale for two years, a call from Habitat ensued completing his current position as CEO. Jason is a perfect fit for Habitat!
Jason spent quite a bit of time with us explaining Habitat's mission for building this home, the first of it's kind for any Habitat for Humanity organization. Habitat is no stranger to energy efficiency in Arizona. They have built and certified with USGBC over 160 Habitat homes in Arizona; a powerful statement about their mission.
The home is north facing with an extended, shaded front porch. The kitchen and great room have vaulted ceilings and plenty of natural light. The design is contemporary and impressive, thanks to Mark Candelaria, Candeleria Design!
Slate blue cabinets with a kitchen island are perfect gathering places! It's not been decided if baseboards will be installed yet. Tile flooring will be installed soon!
Hanging portraits or anything on the wall can be accomplished by using the trim board at the top of every wall, including flat screen TV's!
USGBC Volunteers hearing the stats!
The rear of the home features another covered patio. East facing windows are ideal for this home to allow for more light and less heat gain, versus West facing windows.
The really cool thing about Habitat for Humanity is that each new upcoming homeowner gets to sign the wall of their home to be built. Habitat recipient homeowners have to qualify by committing to 400 sweat equity hours that might also include homeownership classes; have a willingness to partner with Habitat; and be able to pay an interest free loan. Those fund are put back into the program to ensure more Habitat homes are provided to qualifying participants.
Every aspect and feature of this home is donated. Thanks to the many wonderful sponsors!
If you are interested in a Habitat home, please contact Habitat for Humanity!
And if you are interested in buying or selling an energy efficient home, make sure to use a knowledgeable professional!
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