The world’s first 3D-printed hotel is set to open just outside the desert city of Marfa, Texas. 3D-printing company Icon will change the future of travel on Planet Earth before making homes on the moon and Mars (they have a contract with NASA). Liz Lambert, founder of Marfa’s bohemian hotel brand El Cosmico, partnered with ICON and Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) to offer a 3D-printed haven complete with a huge infinity pool, pods, and safari tents right in the middle of the desert.
The 21-acre campground currently houses tents, yurts, teepees, and trailers. With the 3D-printed hotel inspired by the desert terrain, visitors will be impressed with El Cosmic expanding to sprawling 60 acres inspired by the incredible desert terrain. Sunday Homes are also part of the retreat. These two, three, and four-bedroom 3D-printed homes spread from 1,200 to 2,200 square feet.
‘I have had a vision for the evolution of El Cosmico for many years that includes several spaces that add to the experience both for guests and locals – a pool, a hammam, and more space for art and skills-building workshops,’ said El Cosmico founder Liz Lambert, ‘In collaborating with the revolutionary thinkers at BIG and ICON, not only do I get to fulfill this dream, but we get to do it using this incredible 3D printing technology that marries the oldest principles of raw earth-based building with a futuristic technology that works more quickly, sustainably and efficiently than modern construction.’
She continued, ‘What’s more, the innovation and beauty of the types of structures we can build extends far beyond the box. It’s fitting that ICON has a contract with NASA to build the first dwellings on the moon and on Mars. I’m excited that we get to explore their incredible work right here in our own little cosmic landscape under the stars in far West Texas.’ The project brings forth a development that is inspired by the surrounding nature and, indeed, looks like a natural extension of the same.
Bjarke Ingels, founder and Creative Director of BIG, said, ‘Our collaboration with El Cosmico and Icon has allowed us to pursue the formal and material possibilities of cutting-edge 3D-printed construction untethered by the traditional limitations of a conventional site or client.’ Wholly constructed from organic material, guests will enjoy the surreal surroundings in an uncommon setup and spectacular views of the Davis Mountains. Flanking guest units with shared spaces like a pool, spa, and communal facilities encourage a sense of community. The world’s first 3D-printed hotel will accept bookings from summer 2023.
