Welcome to the hotel of the future.
The world’s first 3D-printed hotel will open just outside the desert town of Marfa, Texas, and the project will break ground next year.
The hotel consists of several large 3D printed buildings and features an infinity pool, a spa and an artist studio.
Inspired by the surrounding desert landscape and cosmos, it will be built by pioneering 3D printing company Icon, which is currently under contract with NASA to build homes on the Moon and Mars.
The hotel will be on the site of El Cosmico, an existing ‘nomadic’ hotel and campsite, where guests will stay in caravans, teepees and safari tents.
The world’s first 3D-printed hotel (pictured above) is expected to open outside the desert town of Marfa, Texas, with groundbreaking for the project planned for next year.
The hotel will consist of several large-scale 3D-printed buildings, including an infinity pool, a spa and an artist’s studio
The project, led by hotelier Liz Lambert, is a collaboration between Icon and the world-renowned architectural firm BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group).
Upon completion of the project, the El Cosmico property will expand from 21 hectares (eight hectares) to 60 hectares (24 hectares).
With a color palette inspired by the desert terrain, the new hotel will feel “like it has literally been lifted from its place”, say the architects.
As part of the retreat, 3D printed homes – called Sunday Homes – will appear on the site. A statement said these two, three and four-bedroom homes, which range in size from 1,200 sq ft (111 sq m) to 2,200 sq ft (204 sq m), will have ‘sweeping views’ of the nearby Davis Mountains have.
The retreat will be built by pioneering 3D printing company Icon, which is currently under contract with NASA to build the first homes on the Moon and Mars
The design of the new hotel will feature organic curves, domes, arches and vaults, realized through 3D printing robotics and dedicated software.
As part of the retreat, 3D printed homes – called Sunday Homes – will appear on the site
Camping El Cosmico was “founded with the belief that life should be a balance between adventure and idleness”.
Not only does it offer guests “access to the majesty of the high plains desert,” it’s also home to the Trans-Pecos Festival of Music and Love—billed as an “intimate, multi-day, multimedia festival of sensuous pleasures” are disclosed, “held under the open air of the Chihuahuan desert”.
Commenting on the new hotel project, Liz Lambert said: “I have had a vision for many years for the development of El Cosmico, which will include different areas that will enrich the experience for guests and local residents – a swimming pool, a hammam and more space for art and skill workshops.
The designers are also creating a 3D-printed outdoor performance pavilion (shown in the image above) at The Long Center for The Performing Arts in Austin
The Austin Pavilion “parallels and reflects architectural design themes – cosmic organizations, perfect geometries and organic forms – planned for the new El Cosmico in Marfa”
This view shows an aerial view of the pavilion. A statement reads: “Icon’s technology excels in creating soft shapes and curved surfaces.”
Pictured from left are Jason Ballard, co-founder and CEO of Icon; Hotelier Liz Lambert and Bjarke Ingels, founder and creative director of BIG
“By working with the revolutionary thinkers at BIG and Icon, not only can I make this dream come true, but we can make it happen using this incredible 3D printing technology that combines the oldest principles of bodyshell construction on earth with a futuristic technology that works faster and more sustainably and efficiently than modern construction. Moreover, the innovation and beauty of the types of structures we can build extend far beyond the frames. Fittingly, Icon has a contract with NASA to build the first homes on the moon and on Mars. I am delighted that we can discover their incredible work here in our own little cosmic landscape under the stars in far West Texas.”
Bjarke Ingels, founder and creative director of BIG, said: “Our partnership with El Cosmico and Icon has enabled us to pursue the formal and material possibilities of advanced 3D printed designs beyond the traditional limitations of a traditional website or client.’
Jason Ballard, Icon co-founder and CEO added, “The truly unique and diverse architectures made possible by 3D printing are just the beginning.”
In addition to reinventing El Cosmico, the designers are exploring 3D printing affordable housing in the city of Marfa and creating a 3D printed outdoor performance pavilion at The Long Center for The Performing Arts in Austin. According to a statement, “This pavilion corresponds to and reflects architectural design themes – cosmic organizations, perfect geometries and organic forms – planned for the new El Cosmico”.
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James is an author and travel journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a love for exploring new cultures and discovering unique destinations, James brings his readers on a journey with him through his articles.
