An architectural revolution is reshaping the suburbs of America. In Texas, an innovative team of high-tech robotic builders are on the verge of completing the world’s largest 3D-printed neighborhood.
Named Wolf Ranch, this groundbreaking project is situated near Austin and is a collaboration between the prominent 3D-printing company Icon, construction giant Lennar, and the renowned Bjarke Ingels Group who have come together to design the 100 homes making up the neighborhood.
These homes are being crafted using Icon’s advanced Vulcan printer. This massive machine, capable of constructing a 3,000 square foot home, operates almost autonomously and does not require repositioning during the building process. It methodically prints a home by extruding a custom cement-like mixture in layers to form the home’s basic structure.
After the printing phase, human builders step in to install windows, doors, and roofs, along with any other necessary components to transform the structure into a fully functional and contemporary living space.
The residences are quite luxurious, spanning from 1,500 to 2,100 square feet (approximately 140 to 195 square meters). These single-story homes come in eight different layouts, featuring three or four bedrooms and two or three bathrooms each.
The interior of each home is airy and filled with natural light, boasting extensive use of glass and an expansive area combining the living room and kitchen. They feature environmentally friendly technologies such as a solar panel setup and are equipped with modern smart home technologies, including a Ring Video Doorbell, Wi-Fi-enabled locks, and a smart thermostat.
Residents have been settling into these homes for several months, with Icon having completed the 3D-printed structural walls for 98 out of 100 houses. Final touches to complete these homes are expected in the near future. A representative from the company mentioned that the starting price for these homes is $400,000.
In addition to these homes, Icon is engaged in other architectural 3D printing endeavors in Texas, like the Wimberly Springs project and the El Cosmico campground hotel.
Source: Icon