In the remote desert town of Marfa, Texas, hotel and campground El Cosmico provides a unique escape in Far West Texas.
It might be a bit of a stretch to label El Cosmico as a “hotel”.
Unlike traditional hotels such as Marriott or Hilton that feature buildings with multiple guest rooms, El Cosmico primarily offers “glamping” accommodations, including yurts, trailers, and tents among its 40+ options.
In 2026, El Cosmico is set to expand its offerings to include a series of detached guest rooms featuring 3D printed walls.
Located much closer to the Mexican border, a mere hour’s drive compared to the longer journey to central Texan urban centers like San Antonio or Austin, which are about six times further away.
Marfa might give Austin a run for its money in terms of uniqueness. With a small population of under 2,000 residents, it boasts of distinctive contemporary art installations such as a simulated Prada outlet set against the desert backdrop and enigmatic occurrences of unexplained lights.
The Austin-based company, Icon, has become well-known in the emerging 3D printing construction sector.
In 2022, they revealed a sprawling 2,000-square-foot residence with 3D printed walls in Austin.
Located approximately 30 miles north from an old residence, Icon has joined efforts with leading builder Lennar to finalize a community comprising 100 3D-printed homes.
Icon commenced the printing of hotel rooms, designed by Bjarke Ingels Group, around mid-September.
Expected to be finished by 2026, the 21-acre site is set to expand to 97 units, with over half featuring Icon’s 3D-printed wall systems, according to a representative from the company as noted by Business Insider.
These minimalistic, dome-shaped hotel rooms will be available for booking alongside El Cosmico’s established trailers and tents, offering a unique accommodation experience for travelers.
Imagine cooling off from the desert heat with a dip in the pool.
According to renderings of the project, a new circular swimming hole would have views of the surrounding landscape while still feeling partially enclosed by the printed walls.
This rounded printing feature would extend into the planned Hammam (a Middle Eastern public bath)-inspired bathhouse.
Icon is using its robotic Vulcan printing system — which excretes its proprietary high-strength concrete “lavacrete” — for the project.
The three- and four-bedroom residences are planned to start at 2,000 square feet and include features such as an external shower and hot tub. Similar to Icon’s former luxury home, these units will also be characterized by large, distinctively round pillars.
The initial house is anticipated to be finalized by the end of 2024. According to the company’s spokesperson, it takes the startup approximately one to two weeks currently to print the walls for a 2,000-square-foot home.
“We believe 3D printing opens up completely new possibilities,” Ballard stated in 2023. “I believe this project will serve as an excellent demonstration of this.”