ICON and Lake|Flato unveils new generation of a 3D-printed single-family home in Austin, Texas

In collaboration with Lake|Flato Architects, advanced construction technologies firm, ICON has unveiled its pioneering 3D-printed single-family home, ‘House Zero’, in Austin, Texas.

The new generation house is part of what the team refers to as its “Exploration Series”, pushing the boundaries on advanced 3D-printed houses that are resilient and sustainably built.

Built using ICON’s latest Vulcan construction system, ‘House Zero’ highlighted the benefits of additive construction and inspired to connect humans with Nature, integrating various biophilic elements in the house design.

 

Lake|Flato Architects collaborated with the team at ICON to develop a new set of architectural innovations and strategies, expanding the performance capabilities of 3D-printing technology.

 

“The 3D-printed wall design and its inherent biophilic quality conveys an ordered, yet non-rigid pattern, invoking a rooted and timeless sense of natural refuge,” said Lewis McNeel, Associate Partner, Lake|Flato.

 

Through its exposed concrete walls, ‘House-Zero’ wears its construction process and technology proudly on its sleeves, showcasing its additive manufacturing process.

“House Zero is ground zero for the emergence of entirely new design languages and architectural vernaculars that will use robotic construction to deliver the things we need most from our housing: comfort, beauty, dignity, sustainability, attainability, and hope,” said Jason Ballard, co-founder and CEO of ICON.

He continues, "Houses like this are only possible with 3D printing, and this is the new standard of what 3D printing can mean for the world. My hope is that this home will provoke architects, developers, builders, and homeowners to dream alongside ICON about the exciting and hopeful future that robotic construction, and specifically 3D printing, makes possible. The housing of our future must be different from the housing we have known.”

According to the architects, the curved walls of the house create a structurally-efficient structure while creating softer, more natural circulation routes inside. The house blends mid-century aesthetics with energy-efficient design, developing an architecture that promotes resiliency through sustainable design.

The exposed concrete, internally, is clad with simple wood elements, which builds upon the principle of biophilic design, drawing attention to the natural world. Further, windows and doors are placed to increase natural daylight inside the house while also framing the landscape outside. 

 

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About ICON

ICON develops advanced construction technologies that advance humanity by using 3D printing robotics, software and advanced materials.