Habitat for Humanity outlines plan for first 3D‑printed home in Harris Township

Stephanie Foss, executive director of Habitat for Humanity, told the Harris Township Board of Supervisors on Sept. 8 that her affiliate will build a 3D‑printed concrete home on a township lot and that permits for the project have been approved. "We are partnering for the project on the backside of your lot here, for a 3 d printed home," Foss said, noting the build is a partnership with XHAB and the Center County Housing and Land Trust.

Foss described the affiliate’s work and the project’s goals. Habitat serves households earning roughly 40 to 80 percent of area median income; the affiliate typically relies on volunteers and expects a conventional build to take about nine to ten months, though she said the 3D‑printed project may differ. She said the structure will be slab on grade to support aging‑in‑place access and that final exterior finishes and some details are being decided with the partner and the homeowner.

Missy Schoonover, executive director of the Center County Housing and Land Trust, told the board the land trust will own the land once construction is complete and the buyer closes. "We enter into a land lease with the home buyer that sets how much equity they are able to earn in their home year over year," Schoonover said, describing a 99‑year renewable land lease and a first right of refusal for Habitat should the homeowner later move.

Neighbors asked about exterior appearance, paint and shingles, and how to learn more about XHAB’s printing technology. Foss said learning sessions and on‑site demonstrations will be scheduled once printing begins so neighbors, elected officials and local trade contractors can see the process and ask questions. She said the affiliate had submitted plans to the code office and that trusses had been ordered; final selections (for example, shingle color) remain with the homeowner and project partners.

The presentation made clear the project will be deed‑restricted as affordable housing through the land trust arrangement and that the affiliate and partners plan public outreach and education during construction. The board did not take action on the item during the presentation; staff and Habitat said a groundbreaking is expected roughly within weeks of the meeting.

The township’s role will be limited to its usual permitting and code enforcement functions; Foss said XHAB, which she described as a Penn State spinoff headquartered in College Township, will determine some exterior finish choices. The next procedural step for neighbors who want more detail will be the learning sessions and any permitting records available at the code office.