3D printing giant Icon has unveiled an ambitious competition aimed at revolutionizing affordable housing. Called Initiative 99, it calls for designs of 3D printed homes that can be built for less than $99,000.
For those unfamiliar with the technology, 3D printed architecture typically works like this: A large 3D printer extrudes a cement-like mixture through a nozzle, layer by layer, building the basic structure of the house according to a digital plan. Humans then install the roof, windows, doors and all the rest of the work. Icon has been at the forefront of the burgeoning technology for some time with his popular Vulcan printer, and has designed everything from NASA’s otherworldly habitats to architect-designed ranch-like homes. I have manufactured things.
Since 3D printers were first used to create hobbyist and quirky structures, the potential for 3D printers to produce affordable housing has been a pretty obvious next step. While there have undoubtedly been some notable successes in this regard, such as Icon’s own Mexican home and his Apis Cor compact home, his affordable 3D-printed homes are still big hits. I haven’t received it. Ons are built to standard market values, with prices roughly matching standard brick-and-mortar homes. However, Icon aims to change all that with its new competition.
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Icon CEO Jason Ballard said in a press release: “When people talk about affordable housing, the conversation often turns depressing, and so do the results. Our goal is to ensure that Initiative 99 makes affordable housing hopeful, optimistic and inspiring. It is to create the conditions that will make it more affordable and to encourage the construction of some more homes, really incredibly affordable housing that would have been impossible just a few years ago. It could be something, but we all have to work together to make it happen.”
The competition, which will be officially open for registration soon, is open to architects from around the world, including companies, individual designers and university students. It’s been around for about a year and will bring the total prize pool to his $1 million, though it’s not yet clear how many winners this will be distributed to. Icon says it’s committed to creating a selection of award-winning designs at multiple locations, which will be announced in the future.
Naturally, we’ll report on new affordable home designs as soon as they’re announced.
Source: Icon, Initiative 99
