Texas to inaugurate world’s first 3D-printed hotel
El Cosmico, a unique hotel and campground in the Texan desert town of Marfa, is building the world’s first 3D-printed hotel.
Using cutting-edge technology, this project will feature 43 new hotel units and 18 residential homes on 60 acres. They have partnered led by Austin-based 3D-printing company ICON and arhirects from the Barke Ingels Group.
A rendering of a 3D-printed residence at El Cosmico hotel and campground in Marfa, Texas, U.S., in this undated handout image. ICON/Handout via REUTERS
The initial units of the hotel will feature 3.7 meter high walls, a three-bedroom residence and a single-room hotel.
El Cosmico’s owner, Liz Lambert, highlighted the design and its flexibilty, saying, “Most hotels are contained within four walls and a lot of times you are building the same unit over and over and over again.”
He said. “I’ve never been able to build with such little constraint and such fluidity … just the curves, and the domes, and the parabolas. It’s a crazy way to build.”
ICON print technician John McDonald monitors the Vulcan 3D printer as it lays down the walls for a 3D-printed hotel and residence in Marfa, Texas, U.S., September 10, 2024. REUTERS/Evan Garcia/File Photo
ICON’s CEO, Jason Ballard, explained saying this process requires continuous adjustments according to weather conditions, ensuring the material’s strength and durability.
Experts like Milad Bazli warned that this technology opens new doors for innovative construction, but it could impact skilled labour jobs in remote areas.
The construction of El Cosmico is set to be completed by 2026, with a price range between $200 and $450 per night.
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