Habitat for Humanity has started construction on its third 3D-printed home project in America, just north of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Melbourne. The construction will be carried out by “Frank,” a futuristic 2,900-pound long-armed robotic printer that moves on tank tracks. Due to local ordinances, the 3D-printing operation will take place from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The project aims to demonstrate the speed and efficiency of 3D-printed construction by completing the walls in about a week. The two adjoining grassy lots at Lipscomb and Church streets will be transformed into affordable homes. Apis Cor, a Melbourne-based robotics technology and manufacturing company, will be responsible for 3D-printing the homes, while Macedonia Community Development Corp. of South Brevard will lease one of the units to a low-income tenant.
The significance of the project lies in its potential to address the affordable housing crisis in Brevard County. The cost of construction for these 3D-printed homes is expected to be around $400,000, comparable to traditional homes in the area. However, Habitat for Humanity hopes that 3D printing technology can reduce construction costs by 30% in the future.
Funding for the project has been secured through various sources, including $500,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act and a $300,000 donation from Wells Fargo. This is not the first time Habitat for Humanity has ventured into 3D-printed home construction. Similar projects have been completed in Williamsburg, Virginia, and Tempe, Arizona.
In addition to the current project, Apis Cor plans to build a model home in Melbourne, measuring 2,100 square feet. The company envisions a future where entire communities are built using 3D-printing technology. The potential to provide affordable housing to millions of Americans is a driving force behind Habitat for Humanity’s commitment to this innovative construction method.
Source: [Florida Today](https://www.floridatoday.com/story/news/2022/09/30/habitat-humanity-third-3-d-printed-home-project-melbourne/6920177801/)