3D-printed homes get built by robots in Texas neighbourhood

Work is nearing completion on the world’s largest 3D-printed neighbourhood. Some 100 homes have been built by the robotic printers since November 2022. The ICON Vulcan printers measure 45 feet wide and weigh tonnes. Concrete powder, water, sand and other additives are mixed together and pumped into the printer. A nozzle then lays the concrete mixture layer by layer along a pre-programmed path. The single-story 3D-printed homes take about three weeks to finish printing. Only the walls are printed – the foundation and metal roof are installed traditionally. The walls are designed to be resistant to water, mould, termites and extreme weather. 3D printing homes is faster, cheaper and minimises waste of construction materials, says ICON. The 3D-printed homes at Wolf Ranch in Georgetown, Texas range from $450,000 to $600,000.