Danish architecture studio BIG works in collaboration with American 3D-printing company ICON to create a full-sized 3D model home at Wolf Ranch, which is a neighborhood in Georgetown, Texas. It is one of 100 houses that are being made by local construction company Lennar.
The home is made from striated 3D-printed walls that rely on Lavacrete, which is a proprietary material by ICON. The home also has a gabled roof that is made from metal and topped with photovoltaic panels. Co-founder of ICON Jason Ballard explains his design mindset to Dezeen, stating that "In the future, I believe robots and drones will build entire neighborhoods, towns, and cities, and we'll look back at Lennar's Wolf Ranch community as the place where robotic construction at scale began."
3D-Printed Neighborhood Homes
BIG and ICON Complete a New 3D-Printed Model Home in Wolf Ranch
Trend Themes
1. 3d-printed Homes - The use of 3D printing technology to construct residential buildings presents disruptive opportunities in the construction industry, enabling faster and more cost-effective construction processes.
2. Robotic Construction - The integration of robots and drones in construction projects has the potential to revolutionize the industry, leading to increased efficiency, precision, and scalability.
3. Sustainable Architecture - The incorporation of sustainable elements, such as photovoltaic panels, in 3D-printed homes showcases the potential for environmentally friendly designs, promoting energy efficiency and reducing carbon footprint.
Industry Implications
1. Construction - The construction industry can leverage 3D printing technology and robotic construction techniques to streamline operations, improve productivity, and meet the growing demand for affordable housing.
2. Technology - The development and implementation of advanced 3D printing technologies and robotics in construction create disruptive innovation opportunities for technology companies, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the industry.
3. Renewable Energy - The integration of photovoltaic panels in 3D-printed homes opens up innovation possibilities in the renewable energy sector, facilitating the adoption of clean energy solutions in the residential construction market.