El Cosmico Campground Hotel in the Texas desert is billed as the world’s first 3D-printed hotel. Following the project’s announcement earlier this year, 3D-printed architecture firm Icon is busy constructing the ambitious hotel.

3D-Printed Expansion

Icon’s 3D printer is constructing the basic foundation of the structure. Photo: Icon.

El Cosmico is an expansion and reimagining of an already-existing campground hotel on the outskirts of Marfa, Texas. According to Icon, it will include camping areas, vacation homes, shared amenities, and permanent residences for sale. Connected to the hotel is the collection of the BIG-designed three and four-bedroom “Sunday Homes.” Pricing on the Sunday Homes starts at a cool $2.29M.

The company says the new hotel and homes feature organic curves and domes, a design that is only possible with 3D printing. The project was created in collaboration with architecture firm BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group.

“Our design for the new El Cosmico is a conversation between El Cosmico’s past and future,” said Bjarke Ingels, founder and creative director of BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group. “By testing the geometric boundaries of ICON’s 3D-printed construction, we have imagined fluid, curvilinear structures that enjoy the freedom of form in the empty desert.”

Printing Process

The 3D-printed hotel is expected to be complete by 2026. Photo: Icon.

The construction process involves Icon’s Vulcan 3D-printing system. This system was used to construct the world’s largest 3D-printed housing project in Wolf Ranch. The Vulcan printing system consists of large 3D printers supervised by human operators. Each printer squeezes out a proprietary cement-like mixture called Lavacrete. The substance comes out in layers that build the basic structures of the residences. Once the printing process is complete, human workers step in to finish the building. This includes roofs, wiring, windows, and anything else required.

Another facet of the project will be to build additional 3D-printed affordable housing units in Marfa to serve the evolving needs of the town where the existing El Cosmico now sits. The designs for these homes will be selected from ICON’s Initiative 99 global architecture competition, where more than 60 countries were represented in the contest submissions.

The El Cosmico expansion is set to be completed by 2026.

Explore Tomorrow's World From Your Inbox

Get the latest science, technology, and sustainability news delivered to your inbox every week.

I understand that by providing my email address, I agree to receive emails from Tomorrow's World Today. I understand that I may opt out of receiving such communications at any time.