3D printing homes for the homeless
US-based technology company ICON, in collaboration with non-profit Mobile Loaves & Fishes, 3D printed a series of houses for the chronically homeless in Austin, Texas (USA).
In March 2018, ICON unveiled its first 3D printer and America’s first permitted 3D printed home in Austin.
The first building of the homeless project was a 45 square metre (500 square foot) welcome centre, which was printed in 27 hours. The rest of the homes are 37 square metres (400 square feet), 3D printed with ICON’s Vulcan II printer. Each features one bedroom, one bath, a full kitchen, living room and large porch.
The series of 3D-printed homes by ICON are located in Phase II of the northeast Austin development, bringing the entire property to 51 total acres. When Phase II is completed and at full capacity, the village will have an estimated 480 formerly homeless individuals living in the village, which represents about 40 percent of Austin’s chronically homeless population.
The construction process uses robotics, automated material handling, advanced software and proprietary concrete called Lavacrete.
ICON also works together with non-profit New Story to 3D print homes in Mexico. Read more about New Story here.
Photos: ICON