Texas is Home to the First-Ever 3D-Printed Hotel

El Cosmico, an innovative hotel and campground located in the desert town of Marfa, Texas, is making headlines with its groundbreaking project to build the world’s first 3D-printed hotel.

In collaboration with the 3D printing firm ICON and architects from the Bjarke Ingels Group, the development will comprise 43 new hotel units and 18 residential homes spread across 60 acres.

This cutting-edge expansion, utilizing advanced 3D printing technology, is slated for completion by 2026, aiming to set a standard for imaginative and eco-friendly construction practices in the hospitality sector.

Guided by Austin-based ICON and shaped by the Bjarke Ingels Group, this initiative seeks to push the boundaries of architectural innovation.

Liz Lambert, the owner of El Cosmico, emphasized the remarkable adaptability of 3D printing, which allows for distinctive curves and designs that would be financially unfeasible using conventional construction techniques.

“Typically, hotels are hemmed in by rigid walls, often building identical units repeatedly,” Lambert noted. “With this method, I have the freedom to construct with minimal restrictions and a lot of fluidity … featuring curves, domes, and parabolas. It’s a revolutionary approach to building.”

The initial designs include units with single-story walls standing at 12 feet, featuring a three-bedroom home alongside a single-room hotel.

The Vulcan printer, towering at 15 feet and spanning 46 feet wide, employs a proprietary cement mixture known as Lavacrete, specifically formulated to endure the desert’s fluctuating climate.

Jason Ballard, CEO of ICON, explained that the 3D printing process necessitates continuous modifications based on weather conditions to guarantee the material’s robustness and longevity.

While this technology paves the way for groundbreaking construction techniques, experts like Milad Bazli caution that it may affect skilled labor opportunities in rural areas.

A technician supervises the Vulcan printer as its robotic arm and nozzle navigate the construction site on a supporting structure.

The “ink” used by this 3D printer is Lavacrete, a specialized cement-based material designed for strength, affordability, and printability. According to Jason Ballard, adjustments are made to the mixture in response to weather changes.

“The magic lies in the admixtures that allow us to maintain continuous printing,” Ballard explained, noting that factors like humidity, temperature, and sunlight impact the material’s performance and final appearance.

With a target completion date set for 2026, the hotel will offer room rates ranging from $200 to $450 per night, illustrating how 3D printing could revolutionize both the hospitality and housing sectors in challenging environments.

Looking ahead, experts like Milad Bazli, a science and technology lecturer at Charles Darwin University in Australia, warn that 3D-printed construction may displace certain skilled labor jobs.

“From a social perspective and considering the economic impact on local job markets, particularly in remote regions, this is one of the challenges we must address as we adopt 3D printing methods,” Bazli remarked.

The El Cosmico expansion is expected to be fully realized by 2026, with hotel rates set between $200 and $450 per night.