Photo: Contributed
Kelowna’s Vantage West Realty has decided to make a difference in Mexico after a record-breaking 2020.
The real estate company sold more homes in 2020 than any other year, so it has donated US$10,000 to fund a 500 square-foot home in Nacajuca, Mexico, using 3D printer technology.
“This is leading-edge technology that will hopefully stop the housing affordability crisis,” Vantage West managing broker and owner A.J. Hazzi said in a press release.
“These families in Mexico are becoming homeowners for the first time; it’s a generational change that can break the cycle of poverty, giving security for themselves and their families.”
Vantage West donated the money to New Story Charity, which was founded 2014 and has helped fund community projects in four countries and has built more than 2,200 homes.
The 3D printer uses a proprietary, cement-based mix called “lavacrete” that exceeds the strength of existing building materials. Once the house foundation has been poured and cured, the 3D printer is set up and begins to extrude layer by layer, building walls in only 24 hours.
“Real estate was one of the most resilient sectors of the local economy in 2020, and we want to give back,” Hazzi said. “After a few scary months, the market rallied and at Vantage West we were able to help more families move into new homes than any other year.”
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