ICON unveils new 3D printer, global design competition winners

Blake DeVine
·2 min read

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Local 3D-printed construction company, ICON unveiled new technology designed to build affordable housing during a South by Southwest event on Tuesday at The Long Center.

The company introduced its multi-story robotic construction system, Phoenix, which carries the capability to print an entire building.

Phoenix recently completed a 27-foot-tall architectural demonstration structure, now on display at ICON’s headquarters in South Austin.

ICON unveils ‘world’s 1st’ 3D performance pavilion at The Long Center

During the SXSW event, ICON also introduced a new low-carbon building material, digital catalog for residential architecture with more than 60 ready-to-build home designs and an AI Architect for home construction.

With a new 3D printer, ICON completed construction of a 27-foot-tall architectural demonstration at its headquarters in South Austin.
With a new 3D printer, ICON completed construction of a 27-foot-tall architectural demonstration at its headquarters in South Austin.

ICON co-Founder and CEO Jason Ballard said the goal is make their construction technology platform a faster, more sustainable way to build high-quality housing affordably around the world.

“In the future, I believe nearly all construction will be done by robots with nearly all construction-related information processed and managed by AI systems,” he said.

Six 3D-printed homes for sale in Georgetown

The company also unveiled the winners of Initiative 99 during Tuesday’s showcase.

The global design competition asked architects to design a 3D printed home that could be built for under $99,000.

Nearly 300 people — representing over 60 countries — submitted designs for Initiative 99.

Melodie Yashar is ICON’s VP of Building Design & Performance.

“By crowdsourcing ideas from the entire global design community, we have a better sense of what’s possible using our technology,” she said. “Also a better sense of what the most needed solutions are for affordable housing from a global perspective.”

ICON unveiled a multi-story robotic construction system during a South by Southwest event on Tuesday at The Long Center.
ICON unveiled a multi-story robotic construction system during a South by Southwest event on Tuesday at The Long Center.

Six winners were announced, along with ten honorable mentions, who were awarded prize money from a $1 million prize purse.

Here’s a list of the six winners of Initiative 99:

  • Juan Felipe Molano

  • Jorge Xavier Mendez-Caceres: For Everyday Life

  • Paul Clemens Bart: Beta Realities

  • Justin Hanon: Casa Fami

  • Fernando Sebastian and Contreras Rodriguez: MT Space Studio

  • Victoria Roznowski

“Brings us so much joy that we can actually work on things are needed in a speedy manner,” Jorge Mendez-Caceres said. “That’s something that 3D printing actually brings.”

The six winners and ten honorable mentions will now be placed into Phase II of the global design competition.

25 years: Local nonprofit is national model for tackling homelessness

This will involve ICON and Mobile Loaves & Fishes selecting one winning design to be built into several 3D printed homes within Community First! Village.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.