CHAUNCEY, OH — Southern High School students got an up-close look at the future of construction on Monday, October 27, 2025, when they visited Vitruvian’s worksite in Chauncey to operate the company’s industrial-scale 3-D printer — known as the Scorpion.
At the Athens-Meigs Educational Service Center, Project RISE’s Amy Robinson welcomed the group and introduced Vitruvian experts Shantanu Pagare, Sean Nugent, and Hussain Bhavnagarwala, who gave a brief presentation about their groundbreaking housing printing project.
Then came the main event. The students walked to the nearby construction site, where they watched in awe as Vitruvian’s team set up the massive Scorpion 3-D printer in less than six minutes. Soon after, the high schoolers got to take the controls themselves, using the same machine that can build full-sized house walls in just a week.
“It was incredible watching our students operate such a massive, high-tech piece of equipment,” said Beth Lanning, SHS Career Coach. “We’re so thankful Vitruvian gave them this opportunity to experience a trailblazing construction method firsthand.”
“Experiences like this show our students what’s possible when innovation meets curiosity,” said Mr. Daniel Otto, Principal of Southern High School. “Hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology like Vitruvian’s 3-D printer helps them imagine careers and futures they may never have considered before.”
Vitruvian’s experts explained that the Scorpion’s advanced printing technology allows it to produce intricate designs, smooth curves, and custom features far faster than traditional methods, all while maintaining strength and precision.
Beyond its futuristic appeal, 3-D printing also offers practical benefits: homes made this way are durable, energy-efficient, and cost-effective, helping homeowners save on maintenance and utilities while supporting more sustainable housing solutions.
To round out the day, students toured the first partially 3-D printed home in Chauncey, exploring its installed windows, doors, and interior layout. It’s one of three homes planned for the community — each serving as a glimpse into what the future of homebuilding might look like.
“This project doesn’t just build houses,” Robinson said. “It builds inspiration for the next generation of innovators. To see the students operate such a unique piece of equipment was very rewarding.”
Robinson also shared the exciting news that the STEAM and STEM Lab, along with an Advanced Manufacturing Lab, will soon have resources for students to level up on their skills in the respective fields.
Southern Local School District would like to thank Project RISE, Vitruvian, and the chaperones, Mrs. Sarah El-Dabaja and Ms. Lanning, for the experience. To watch some of the students in action at the construction site, click here.
