Following its Wolf Ranch and House Zero homes, 3D printed architecture leader Icon continues to push the cutting edge of building technology with its development in Marfa, Texas. Created in collaboration with the Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), the El Cosmico project consists of campsites and facilities, as well as large and small housing.
The development was commissioned by hotelier Liz Lambert and includes the rebuilding and expansion of the existing El Cosmico Campground Hotel, which now hosts eclectic accommodations such as yurts and trailers in a desert landscape. will be
BIG with up to 4 bedrooms boasting expansive views of the local landscape, in addition to a series of small but attractive circular domed holiday residences, plus a central swimming pool and communal facilities The design includes larger housing. .
Icon says their overall design is inspired by landscapes and showcases some advanced 3D printing techniques. There are not only domes, but also arches, vaults and complex parabolic forms. Some residences are covered in greenery and feature skylights to maximize the daylight inside.
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“El Cosmico’s design for the expansion and reimagining of its hotels and residences is based on this unique connection between the high desert landscape and cosmic organization,” the press release explains. “The new hotel and residences feature organic curves and domes, a primitive architectural language that can only be achieved with 3D printing. Icon’s technology excels at creating soft shapes and curved surfaces. We can bring this design vision to life.”
The construction process utilizes Icon’s proprietary Vulcan 3D printing system, which uses a proprietary cement-like mixture called Lavacrete. This is extruded from the nozzle in layers to build the structure. Dezeen also reports that pigments will be added to make it look more like the local landscape.
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In addition to the main El Cosmico project, Icon and BIG collaborated with Austin’s Long Center for the Performing Arts to create a 3D-printed performance pavilion that mirrors El Cosmico’s overall design. The pavilion is nearing completion, but El Cosmico doesn’t plan to begin construction until late 2024.
Source: Icon
