ICON builds 3D-printed homes for the homeless
Construction is underway on 100 3D-printed homes at Community First! Village in Austin, Texas, US. The project, led by construction technology firm ICON, aims to provide affordable, permanent housing for individuals transitioning out of chronic homelessness.
The homes, which range in size from 35 to 96 square metres (380 to 1,040 square feet), are part of a broader expansion of Community First! Village, a development by nonprofit organisation Mobile Loaves & Fishes. Once completed, the expansion will span 205 ha (127 acres) and include nearly 1,400 new homes.
Alan Graham, founder and CEO of Mobile Loaves & Fishes, emphasised the significance of the project: “We are delighted to continue our relationship with ICON and utilise their groundbreaking technology as we build homes and bring dignity to our neighbours who need it most.”
The homes are being constructed using ICON’s Vulcan 3D-printing system, which uses a proprietary advanced material designed for durability and resilience. ICON’s robotic and AI-driven technologies aim to make construction faster, more cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable.
Brooke Bauguess, vice president of marketing and communications at ICON, highlighted the importance of partnerships in addressing homelessness: “Community First! Village is a national leader in tackling homelessness. With support from Lennar Foundation, we can continue delivering dignified homes for those in need.”
ICON, based in Austin, develops construction technologies to lower costs and improve efficiency. Known for its large-scale 3D printing, the company operates in the United States and has also explored extraterrestrial construction, including potential habitats for the Moon and Mars.
The 3D-printed homes are part of the third and fourth phases of Community First! Village’s expansion. When fully operational, the village will provide housing and support for an estimated 1,800 individuals.
Mobile Loaves & Fishes, founded in 1998, has been a key player in addressing homelessness in Central Texas. Community First! Village serves as a model for similar initiatives across the United States, combining housing with a supportive community environment.
The Lennar Foundation, the charitable arm of homebuilding company Lennar, is providing funding for the project. Lennar has previously collaborated with ICON on a 3D-printed housing community in Georgetown, Texas, demonstrating its commitment to innovative and impactful housing solutions.
Subscribe to the weekly newsletter
