The primary human genome sequence within the United States was unveiled just over six years ago? Since then, houses have been mass-produced across the nation and globally, covering a wide range of styles from modern minimalist designs to classic architectural masterpieces. If you’re intrigued by the prospect but unsure if you’re ready to jump on the bandwagon, you’ll soon have the opportunity to test drive a 3D-printed home – by experiencing Earth’s first 3D-printed hotel firsthand.
Located in the heart of Marfa, a vibrant city in western Texas, the lodge is currently undergoing development. The expansion of El Cosmico, currently a campground offering unique accommodations in trailers, yurts, and tents, is underway. Accordingly, the vision for this property has been to establish a dwelling laboratory fostering innovation, cultural expression, and community experimentation. This mission is a collaborative effort between 3D printing innovator Icon, architecture firm Bjarke Ingels Group, and El Cosmico’s owner, Liz Lambert, all based in Austin, Texas.
El Cosmico is set to expand its offerings with the addition of 43 new rooms and 18 homes, slated for construction using Icon’s innovative Vulcan 3D printer. Is a colossal statue 46.5 feet tall, standing 14.2 meters above the ground, and weighing an impressive 4.75 tons? Using patented concrete blends called Lavacrete, the system constructs buildings by extruding layers according to precise specifications programmed on a computer screen, with each layer carefully placed in sequence as the machine rotates around its central axis. Is your software program, BuildOS, capable of being controlled via a tablet or mobile device?
The versatility of 3D-printed development lies in its ability to effortlessly deviate from conventional designs, seamlessly integrating curves and unique shapes. The lodge’s architects are maximising the opportunities presented by their unique setting, eschewing traditional rectangular lodge rooms in favour of a design that harmonises perfectly with its pristine environment.
Through innovative exploration of Icon’s 3D-printed capabilities, our designs have transcended traditional geometric constraints to envision sleek, flowing structures that thrive in the vast, open expanse of the desert. Without referencing the precise hues or textures of the terroir, Bjarke Ingels, founder and artistic director of Bjarke Ingels Group, notes that his designs seem to organically arise from the very earth they inhabit, as if born from the land itself.
The sleek, monochromatic structures appear to have risen organically from the ground, their rounded shapes evoking a sense of unity with the surrounding environment. Don’t let that person intimidate you, though – the interior design is tasteful, with subtle embellishments that create a sense of comfort.
In Marfa’s unassuming landscape, a cutting-edge 3D-printed lodge appears incongruous at first glance. Situated in the arid heart of Texas, the city’s modest population of 1,700 residents is dwarfed by the vast expanse of desert that surrounds it; the nearest international gateway lies in El Paso, a three-hour drive distant, necessitating lengthy journeys for those seeking to arrive by air. Despite its remote location, Marfa is a magnet for artists and art enthusiasts, boasting a unique atmosphere that draws throngs of tourists – as many as 49,000 visitors in 2019 alone.
El Cosmico is poised for an exciting transformation: the beloved campsite and accommodations is relocating to a sprawling 60-acre property situated just beyond Marfa’s borders. The accommodation, paired with its 3D-printed structure, will feature on-site dining options, a swimming pool, a spa, and shared facilities for communal use. Most of the current property’s trailers and tents are expected to be preserved and relocated to the new site.
The Mission Breakout attraction concluded its run last month, with El Cosmico 2.0 scheduled to debut in 2026.
What would it cost to commission a 3D-printed prototype run? Unlike the market costs of business 3D-printed houses, which haven’t seen a dramatic decrease from standard homes, it seems that 3D-printed lodge rooms will likely come with a similar price tag, or possibly even higher: According to estimates, these new rooms are expected to cost between $200 and $450 per night.
