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World’s Largest 3D-Printed Community Unveiled in Georgetown, Texas
In the sprawling landscapes just outside of Austin, Texas, the arrival of new planned communities has become a common sight. However, one subdivision in Georgetown stands out as a groundbreaking development: it is now recognized as the world’s largest 3D-printed community.
This innovative project began two years ago when Lennar, the second-largest homebuilder in the United States, joined forces with Icon, a leader in 3D printing technology. Together, they aimed to construct 100 homes within the Wolf Ranch development, and so far, approximately 75% of these homes have already been purchased.
The design of these homes features rounded walls, a characteristic that results from the 3D printing process that utilizes concrete. The texture of the walls resembles a broad, corduroy-like finish, while the roofing, crafted from metal, is the only element not produced through 3D printing. Additionally, each home is equipped with solar power, enhancing its sustainability and efficiency.
Stuart Miller, chairman and co-CEO of Lennar, highlighted the advancements in resilience that these homes offer. “We have a durable product here that demonstrates excellent wind resistance suitable for hurricane-prone areas and fire resistance for fire-worn regions. This adaptation of modern construction techniques is pivotal in addressing the future needs of housing and fostering a healthier housing market,” he stated.
The project at Wolf Ranch officially commenced in 2022, initially utilizing two 40-foot robotic printers. By the end of the second year, the operation expanded to 11 machines, which successfully halved the printing time, producing up to two homes weekly. Remarkably, each printer performs the work of more than a dozen traditional construction workers and operates around the clock.
Jason Ballard, CEO of Icon, stressed the importance of scaling this technology in real-world applications, stating, “All the learnings about this technology need to happen at scale. The truth is in the field, not in the lab.” Integration with Lennar’s existing building operations was a key challenge, according to Ballard, who described it as a significant developmental phase for his company.
The homes within this community come complete with the same amenities expected in traditional Lennar developments, offering two- and three-bedroom options with prices starting just under $400,000.
Residents like Holly Feekings, who moved into her 3D-printed home about a year ago, have expressed satisfaction with their investment. She noted her monthly electric bill was remarkably low at just $26, attributing the home’s energy efficiency to the concrete structure’s superior temperature retention compared to her former colonial-style home. “I feel safer in this house than any house I’ve ever lived in,” Feekings remarked, appreciating the building’s durability.
Another resident, Pierre Megie, emphasized the aesthetic appeal and practical features of his new home, highlighting desires for tall doors and ceilings, alongside energy efficiency and affordability. “This home had everything we were looking for,” he said.
The community serves as a vital experiment for Lennar. While initial costs were somewhat higher than projected due to learning curves, both Miller and Ballard stated that their insights will lead to more efficient and cost-effective future developments. Plans are already underway for a second 3D-printed community in Texas, which will consist of approximately 200 homes. This time, the project is expected to incur lower costs, benefiting from the enhanced practices they developed through the Georgetown initiative.
“We’ve seen our costs go down by half. We’ve seen our cycle time go down by half. These are significant improvements in evolving a housing market that must adapt over time, offering affordable and attainable housing to a wider audience,” Miller noted.
In light of increasing concerns over trade tariffs, Ballard assured that all concrete materials used in the construction are sourced domestically, further supporting local economies while minimizing supply chain disruptions.
Source
www.cnbc.com