To keep house building costs low amid rising lumber and labor costs, Habitat for Humanity of Missoula and the University of Montana are partnering to build affordable, 3D-printed homes. Habitat organizations in Virginia and Arizona have already adopted and began building with 3D printing techniques. According to NBC Montana, Habitat for Humanity and the University of Montana will partner to raise the $60,000 needed for a 3D printer.
Heather Harp, executive director at Habitat for Humanity, says [the printer] will print 3-by-5-foot blocks to be pieced together. It’s their way of “dipping their toes in the process,” says Harp, to make sure it works with Montana’s climate and seismic activity before investing in a more robust machine.
Stick building takes nine to 12 months for Habitat to build one home. The printer can print a home in two days. Harp says it saves time and requires less labor, which for Habitat for Humanity is mostly made up of volunteers.
For the more expensive machine, two paths are laid with a gap between them where insulation can be blown between the walls. Harp says that makes it resilient to fire and warm enough in Montana winters.
Harp anticipates purchasing the printer in the next six months. She says the University of Montana’s innovation team will take six to 12 months for development before the first home is built.
