ICON and BIG teamed up to scheme the world's largest 3D-printed neighborhood. The construction company, ICON, and the architectural firm, BIG, are set to break ground in 2022. The project is comprised of 100 3D-printed houses and will be located in Austin, Texas.
Thus far, the exact site location is yet to be determined. More details of the homes' specific floor plans are set to release next year. However, ICON confirmed that it would use its Vulcan construction system to 3D print the homes. The system uses controlled robotic machines to create layers of Lacacrete, a proprietary Portland Cement-based mix. Moreover, as ICON describes, the firm's technology produces resilient and energy-efficient homes faster than conventional construction methods.
Record-Breaking 3D-Printed Neighborhoods
ICON and BIG are Building 100 3D-Printed Homes
Trend Themes
1. 3d-printed Neighborhoods - The development of 3D-printed neighborhoods offers disruptive innovation opportunities in the construction industry, particularly in terms of speed, efficiency, and sustainability.
2. Vulcan Construction System - ICON's Vulcan construction system provides disruptive innovation opportunities in the field of 3D printing, as its use of robotic machines allows for faster, more accurate, and more cost-effective construction.
3. Resilient and Energy-efficient Homes - The creation of resilient and energy-efficient homes through advanced 3D printing technologies presents disruptive innovation opportunities in the real estate industry, as sustainable living becomes a more pressing concern around the world.
Industry Implications
1. Construction - The use of 3D printing technology in the construction industry presents disruptive innovation opportunities that can lead to faster, more cost-effective, and sustainable construction methods.
2. Real Estate - The development of 3D-printed homes and neighborhoods presents disruptive innovation opportunities in the real estate industry, particularly in terms of offering more affordable, sustainable, and high-quality housing options to a wider range of consumers.
3. Robotics - The use of controlled robotic machines in 3D printing technology presents disruptive innovation opportunities in the robotics industry, as it can lead to the development of more sophisticated, versatile, and efficient machines in the future.