PREVIEW

The world's first 3D-printed hotel is currently under construction in Texas. Located in the small desert city of Marfa, the hotel will hold 43 new units as well as 18 residential homes spread across 40 acres. Hotel owner Liz Lambert teamed up with Texas-based 3D printing company ICON and architects from Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) to bring the project to life. ICON's massive Vulcan 3D printer, which measures 46.5 feet in width, 15.5 feet in height, and weighs 4.75 tons is using a cement-based material called Lavacrete to “print” the curved, beige walls for the new rooms. The permanent homes will have up to four bedrooms and include panoramic views of the Davis Mountains. Available for purchase, prices for the properties will start at US$2.29 million. Additionally, some affordable 3D-printed housing will be provided for the local community. The El Cosmico hotel expansion is slated for completion by 2026, with nightly rates for the new hotel units ranging from $200 to $450.