Icon Technology Inc, a 3D-printing construction startup based in Austin, is actively contributing to affordable housing in the city through the Mueller Affordable Homes Program. This initiative aims to reserve 25% of housing in the neighborhood for income-qualified buyers, with properties starting at just $195,000.
Currently, Icon is constructing three 650-square-foot, one-bedroom homes using advanced robotic concrete printers on-site at Mueller. The entire development will feature about a dozen homes, with the remaining units being market-rate properties priced between the mid-$300,000s and $1.3 million. These affordable homes are expected to be ready for move-in by the end of the year.
Brooke Bauguess, a spokesperson for Icon, emphasized the uniqueness of this project, stating, "These are some of the last available lots in all of Mueller," highlighting the mixed-use nature of the neighborhood. The homes are designed with the intent to marry affordability with quality living conditions in a region known for its higher-than-average home prices.
The technology behind Icon’s construction is not only innovative but also environmentally conscious. Their 3D printing process reportedly uses 30% less material than traditional constructions, while also reducing labor needs and speeding up the building process. The company is currently utilizing three Vulcan printers, each managed by a single operator, to create the wall systems for these homes.
The Mueller Affordable Homes Program emerged from a partnership formed 20 years ago between Catellus Development Corp. and the city of Austin to redevelop the site of a former airport. This program specifically targets individuals and families who earn 60% or less than Travis County’s median family income, which is approximately $97,543. Thus, qualifying buyers need to earn below $58,525 to be eligible for the affordable homes.
As Icon continues its commitment to increasing housing accessibility, they are also advancing their robotic printing technology. The company recently raised $56 million to enhance its printing capabilities, including their new system, Phoenix, set to debut next year.
Overall, Icon’s efforts in the Mueller neighborhood not only provide affordable housing options but also aim to address broader housing crises through innovative construction methods, showcasing the potential for technology to impact community development positively.
For more details on the Mueller Affordable Homes Program, visit Mueller Affordable Homes.