A sneak into world's largest 3D-printed neighborhood in Texas
In Texas, United States, the world's largest community of 3D-printed homes is taking shape, and the features of its first fully constructed house is out. Utilizing a concrete-based material, this single-story structure serves as a promising start to 100 homes that will be ready to welcome residents starting in September. The project is located about 30 miles north of Austin, the state capital.
Collaboration among ICON, Lennar, and BIG
The community is part of a wider development in Georgetown, Texas called Wolf Ranch. This innovative project is a result of a collaboration among Texas construction firm ICON, homebuilding company Lennar, and Danish architecture practice Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG). At the grand opening on Saturday, potential buyers had the opportunity to tour the completed model home, as per CNN.
Construction with lavacrete and 46-foot-wide printers
The house was built using 46-foot-wide robotic printers that skillfully shaped the walls with a concrete mix called lavacrete. Once the walls were finished, doors, windows, and roofs were added, all of which were equipped with solar panels, completing the house. Every house in the community will have three to four bedrooms and offer a living space ranging from 1,500 to 2,100 square feet.
What is lavacrete?
Lavacrete is a special concrete mix composed of cement, water and scoria. Scoria is a type of volcanic rock, is known for its lightweight and insulating properties. It is better for the environment than regular concrete and has excellent thermal and acoustic performance. Lavacrete is very durable and can withstand aging better than regular concrete. These buildings last longer and are easier to maintain.
The interiors of the house
The company shared images of the newly completed building, which reveals a modern and minimalist interior design, featuring brightly lit interiors and curved gray walls. The white-lined walls reflect the 3D printing process, while tiled floors and a stylish kitchen island complement the overall aesthetic. The roof boasts a wide triangle design with beautiful circular lights etched into the ceiling.
3D-printed houses can reduce emissions and waste
Some independent research shows that 3D-printed houses can indeed reduce carbon dioxide emissions and construction waste. They optimize material usage, reduce waste, and can be built using eco-friendly materials, which leads to a lower carbon footprint compared to traditional construction methods. Moreover, the streamlined construction process cuts down on energy consumption, making them a more environmentally friendly choice for building homes.
'Watershed moment': ICON co-founder and CEO
Jason Ballard, the co-founder and CEO of ICON, has previously praised the 3D technology, emphasizing there is a "profound need to swiftly increase supply without compromising quality, beauty, or sustainability, and that is exactly the strength of our technology," per CNN. He described the future 3D-printed community at Wolf Ranch as a "watershed moment in the history of community-scale development."
