3D printed homes coming to Leamington

LEAMINGTON —Habitat for Humanity Windsor-Essex is partnering with Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and Building Bridges Erie Shores (The Bridge) on the first 3D printed home for residential use in Canada.

This unique build is being partially funded through CMHC with a generous financial commitment of $500,000. CMHC’s funding for this work is in support of Habitat Windsor-Essex’s efforts to improve the way affordable housing is built in Canada.

Habitat Windsor-Essex is also partnering with the University of Windsor on this project to learn more about how this technology could potentially shorten construction times and, over time, reduce costs.

With the largest structural engineering lab in the country, University of Windsor will be conducting load testing, thermal testing, researching new materials and more.

Four units are being built using 3D printing as part of an accessible, net zero ready, four-plex design. Once this project is completed, individuals in need of attainable housing will have access to safe and decent housing through a partnership with The Bridge Youth Resource Centre on Sherk Street.

There is a growing need for affordable housing but access to decent and affordable housing remains out of reach for too many people.

An emerging technology, 3D printing could be a game-changing solution to the current housing crisis.

This temporary greenhouse will house the work on the 3D printed homes being built on Sherk Street in Leamington. This is the first 3D printed home project in Canada.

SUN photo

Krista Rempel, Executive Director of The Bridge stated, “We are very excited about this opportunity to partner with Habitat for Humanity Windsor-Essex for a chance to take an innovative approach to addressing the local housing crisis. Within our strategic plan, we have always had the goal to build rental units and this partnership is a unique way to move the initiative forward. We are looking forward to the collaboration and what can be developed as a result, including the research around the project.”

“This project would not be possible without the support and financial commitment of CMHC,” said Fiona Coughlin, Executive Director and CEO of Habitat for Humanity Windsor-Essex. “As a builder of decent and affordable housing, we’re looking forward to being able to learn more about how to use this emerging technology and create a foundation for future builds for ourselves, as well as others.”

“Thank you to Habitat for Humanity Windsor-Essex, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and Building Bridges Erie Shores for joining efforts on this innovative solution to the current housing crisis,” said Leamington Mayor Hilda MacDonald. “We are very grateful the Municipality of Leamington was selected as the first location of this fully accessible 3-D multi-unit residential build.”

The units are being constructed under a greenhouse set-up to help alleviate any weather concerns for the concrete temperature requirements. According to Krista Rempel, once the units are ready, the greenhouse set-up will be removed.