BIG and ICON complete first 3D-printed house in Texas neighbourhood

BIG and ICON have successfully finished the construction of the first 3D-printed house in a Texas neighborhood. The project, located in Wolf Ranch, Georgetown, is set to become the largest-scale development of 3D-printed homes worldwide. This full-sized model home, co-designed by BIG and ICON and constructed by local firm Lennar, will serve as a prototype for potential buyers. The house showcases distinct striated 3D-printed walls made from ICON’s proprietary material, Lavacrete. The structure also features a gabled roof with plans for photovoltaic panels. With its completion, the development is one step closer to realizing its goal of creating 100 3D-printed homes.

Background

Introduction

In the world of architecture and construction, advancements in technology continue to transform the way we build homes and communities. One groundbreaking development in this field is the completion of the first 3D-printed house in the Wolf Ranch neighborhood of Georgetown, Texas. This project, co-designed by Danish architecture studio BIG and American 3D-printing firm ICON, and constructed by Lennar, is set to be the largest-scale development of 3D-printed homes in the world.

Wolf Ranch neighborhood in Georgetown, Texas

Located near the capital city of Austin, the Wolf Ranch neighborhood in Georgetown, Texas, is the site of this innovative project. The neighborhood aims to showcase the potential and capabilities of 3D-printed housing through a community of 100 houses. The completion of the model home marks an important milestone in the construction of this ambitious development.

Co-design by BIG and ICON

BIG, known for its innovative and cutting-edge designs, collaborated with ICON, a leading 3D-printing firm, to co-design the houses in the Wolf Ranch neighborhood. This partnership combines the expertise of both firms to create homes that push the boundaries of traditional construction methods.

Construction by Lennar

Local construction firm Lennar is responsible for the construction of the houses in the Wolf Ranch neighborhood. With their expertise and experience in the industry, Lennar ensures that the houses are built to the highest standards and meet the needs of future residents.

Design and Construction

Distinct 3D-printed walls

One of the key features of the 3D-printed houses in the Wolf Ranch neighborhood is their distinct 3D-printed walls. These walls are constructed using ICON’s proprietary material called Lavacrete. Lavacrete is a concrete-like mix that is specifically designed for use in 3D printing. The result is a striated texture on the walls, giving them a unique and modern appearance.

Gabled roof with photovoltaic panels

The houses in the Wolf Ranch neighborhood feature gabled roofs made from metal. These roofs are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional. They will be topped with photovoltaic panels, which will harness solar energy to power the houses. This sustainable feature demonstrates the integration of renewable energy sources into 3D-printed housing.

Interior features

Inside the 3D-printed houses, the striated walls continue to be a prominent design element. The walls are painted white, creating a bright and spacious interior. Other built-in elements, such as the kitchen island, also feature the same 3D-printed concrete-like material. The gabled roof is visible from the interior, running along the entire length of the living and dining area. This integration of design elements creates a seamless and cohesive interior space.

Different floor plans and elevations

To provide variety and cater to different preferences, the Wolf Ranch neighborhood offers eight different floor plans for the houses. Additionally, there are 24 different elevations planned, ensuring that each house has a unique and distinctive appearance. This diversity in design adds character to the neighborhood and allows residents to choose a home that suits their style and needs.

Material and Process

ICON’s proprietary material: Lavacrete

The use of ICON’s proprietary material, Lavacrete, is a crucial component of the 3D-printing process for the houses in the Wolf Ranch neighborhood. Lavacrete is a specially formulated concrete-like mix that can be effectively used in 3D printing. Its composition allows for easy layering and curing, resulting in durable and structurally sound walls.

Use of Volcan 3D Printers

To bring the designs to life, the construction team at Lennar utilizes ICON’s Volcan 3D printers. These cutting-edge printers have the capability to precisely extrude the Lavacrete material and build up the layers that form the walls of the houses. The use of 3D printers in the construction process streamlines production and allows for greater flexibility and customization.

Quickness and durability

The combination of ICON’s proprietary material and the use of 3D printers results in a construction process that is both quick and durable. As mentioned by ICON co-founder Jason Ballard, the houses built using 3D printing technology are “better in every way” due to the speed and efficiency of the process. The durability of the Lavacrete material ensures that the houses are structurally sound and have a long lifespan.

Furniture and Fixtures

Wooden furniture

To complement the modern and minimalist aesthetic of the 3D-printed houses, the model home in the Wolf Ranch neighborhood features wooden furniture. The use of wood adds warmth and texture to the interior spaces, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The choice of wooden furniture aligns with the sustainable and natural elements of the overall design.

Simple light fixtures

In keeping with the minimalistic design approach, the model home also incorporates simple light fixtures. These fixtures blend seamlessly with the overall aesthetic of the house, providing sufficient illumination while maintaining a clean and uncluttered look. The focus on simplicity and functionality in the choice of light fixtures highlights the intention to create a harmonious living environment.

Progress and Completion

Completion of model house

The completion of the model house signifies an important milestone in the development of the Wolf Ranch neighborhood. This fully constructed and furnished house serves as a showcase for potential buyers, allowing them to experience firsthand the design and quality of the 3D-printed homes.

Other houses on the site

Since the start of construction in late 2022, much progress has been made on the other houses in the Wolf Ranch neighborhood. The structural elements and walls of several houses have been completed, demonstrating the efficiency and effectiveness of the 3D-printing process. This steady progress brings the development closer to its completion and the realization of a fully functioning community.

First residents moving in

According to ICON, the first residents of the Wolf Ranch neighborhood will begin moving into their new homes in September. This marks an exciting and significant step in the project, as it transitions from a construction site to a vibrant and livable community. The timely completion of the houses demonstrates the efficiency and reliability of 3D printing technology in the construction industry.

Virtual tour website

To allow interested parties to explore the houses before their completion, the team behind the Wolf Ranch neighborhood has created a virtual tour website. This interactive platform enables potential buyers to take a virtual tour of the houses and get a sense of the layout and design. This innovative approach to marketing and showcasing the homes reflects the commitment to embracing technology and providing a seamless buying experience.

Cost and Affordability

Projected cost of houses

As of now, the projected cost of the houses in the Wolf Ranch neighborhood ranges from $475,990 to $559,990. This price range reflects the quality, design, and construction methods employed in these 3D-printed homes. While this may fall within the higher end of the housing market, the use of 3D printing technology has the potential to make future iterations of these homes more affordable, as the construction process becomes more streamlined and cost-effective.

Other 3D-Printing Projects

Mighty Building’s community in California

The Wolf Ranch neighborhood is not the only 3D-printing project in the United States. Another notable example is the prospective community by Mighty Buildings in Desert Hot Springs, California. This community showcases the possibilities of 3D-printed housing in a different location, contributing to the advancement of this construction method on a national scale.

Wilson’s airless 3D-printed basketball

3D printing technology is not limited to building homes but extends to other areas as well. Wilson, a renowned sports equipment manufacturer, recently unveiled an airless 3D-printed basketball. This innovative product demonstrates the versatility of 3D printing and its potential applications beyond construction.

In conclusion, the completion of the first 3D-printed house in the Wolf Ranch neighborhood is a significant milestone in the field of architecture and construction. The collaboration between BIG, ICON, and Lennar has resulted in a community that showcases the potential of 3D printing technology. From the distinct 3D-printed walls to the use of renewable energy sources, the design and construction of these houses exemplify innovation, sustainability, and functionality. As the project progresses and more houses become occupied, the Wolf Ranch neighborhood is set to become a model for future developments around the world. With the promising results of this project and the ongoing advancements in 3D printing technology, the future of construction looks increasingly efficient, sustainable, and exciting.