El Cosmico Campground Hotel in the Texas desert is set to become the world’s first 3D-printed hotel. After its announcement earlier this year, 3D-printing architecture firm ICON is now in the process of constructing the ambitious project. ICON and BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group) are collaborating to expand the El Cosmico hotel and campsite in Marfa, Texas, using large-scale 3D printing technology. The project will enhance the desert retreat’s nomadic concept while introducing modern architectural innovations. It will feature unique 3D-printed structures designed to blend naturally into the Chihuahuan Desert landscape.
The Vision Behind the Expansion
El Cosmico provides an unique hotel experience unlike any other. Since its inception, it has provided an off-grid and unconventional experience, drawing visitors with its unique blend of yurts, teepees, and trailers. The upcoming expansion aims to enhance this distinctive hospitality approach by relocating El Cosmico from its current 21-acre site to a more spacious 60+ acre plot. This move will allow for the addition of new structures and communal spaces while preserving the essence and spirit of the original location.
Liz Lambert, the visionary behind El Cosmico, has long dreamt of creating a space that merges natural beauty with creative freedom. Now, through collaboration with ICON and BIG, that vision will become reality. Lambert has noted that the expansion will honour the local community in Marfa by creating more economic opportunities and enriching the cultural landscape.
Desert-Inspired 3D-Printed Designs
The El Cosmico expansion will feature distinctive designs using locally sourced sand and soil through the advanced 3D printer installed on-site. Architecturally, the project focuses on creating innovative forms like domes, arches, and vaults—designs that are only possible through 3D printing technology. These unique structures are crafted to integrate seamlessly with the desert environment, ensuring a natural blend between the architecture and the surrounding landscape.
Use of Advanced 3D Printing System
The project’s most intriguing feature is the use of ICON’s innovative 3D printing technology to construct the new structures. ICON, known for its work in 3D-printed homes, will apply its advanced methods to create entirely new forms for El Cosmico’s guest accommodations. These forms include domes, arches, and parabolic shapes that mimic organic, nature-inspired designs, made possible only through 3D printing.
This construction method allows architects to think beyond the limitations of traditional building techniques. The curvilinear designs, using local materials like sand and soil, integrate seamlessly with the desert environment. According to Bjarke Ingels, these new structures will represent a “dialogue between past and future,” drawing inspiration from ancient building methods while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with modern technology.
3D- Printing System Used in the El Cosmico Expansion
The construction process involves use of ICON, proprietary Vulcan 3D-printing system. The printer was used to construct the world’s largest 3D-printed housing project in Wolf Ranch. The printer uses Lavacrete, a proprietary cement-based material developed by ICON, which is extruded layer by layer to build the desired structure.
Key Features of Vulcan Technology:
- Large-Scale Capability: Prints structures up to 2,000 sq ft, ideal for guest accommodations and Sunday Homes at El Cosmico.
- High Precision: Enables intricate designs like curved walls and domes, not easily achievable with traditional methods.
- Speed: Significantly reduces construction time, completing buildings in days or weeks.
- Cost Efficiency: Cuts labor and material waste, lowering overall construction costs.
- Sustainability: Uses Lavacrete, a cement blend with local materials, reducing carbon footprint and minimizing material waste.
Expanding El Cosmico’s Footprint
The expanded El Cosmico will have more than just new 3D-printed guest rooms, the new design includes larger communal spaces, such as a pool, spa, and restaurant, all integrated into the natural landscape. These facilities will provide guests with opportunities to relax, unwind, and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding desert in a unique and immersive setting.
In addition to hospitality amenities, the expansion will also introduce Sunday Homes, a residential component that offers 2,000 to 2,500 square-foot homes for sale. These homes, designed with the same 3D-printed technology, will offer residents stunning views of the Davis Mountains and access to all the shared spaces in the El Cosmico complex. This will allow visitors to immerse themselves in the tranquil, off-grid experience on a more permanent basis.
A Showcase of Architecture’s Future
For both ICON and BIG, the El Cosmico expansion is not just another project; it’s a way to showcase the future of architecture. By leveraging 3D printing, they aim to create homes and spaces that would be difficult, if not impossible, to achieve with conventional construction techniques. The organic, flowing shapes made possible by this technology mirror the forms found in nature, blending the artificial and natural environments in a way that feels organic.
This innovative approach also provides added flexibility, allowing for quicker construction times and the use of sustainable, local materials. ICON’s CEO, Jason Ballard, emphasized that the 3D-printed development at El Cosmico is an important step for the company, demonstrating how their technology can transform not just housing but community-oriented projects as well.
A Preview at South by Southwest (SXSW)
Ahead of the full El Cosmico expansion, ICON and BIG gave the world a preview of their architectural innovations at the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in Austin, Texas, in 2023. They collaborated with The Long Center for the Performing Arts to create a 3D-printed performance pavilion, which demonstrated the organic forms and precision that will characterize the new development in Marfa.
The pavilion, a blend of sweeping curves and geometric shapes, captured the essence of what’s to come at El Cosmico. This structure offers a glimpse into the future of architecture, where technology enables new creative possibilities that go beyond what can be built with traditional methods.
Community and Cultural Impact
The expansion of El Cosmico is expected to bring more than just architectural innovations to Marfa. Lambert and her team are committed to ensuring that the development continues to support the local community. Marfa, a small desert town known for its art scene and cultural significance, will benefit from the jobs and economic opportunities created by the project. For Jason Ballard, the CEO of ICON, this is a personal project as well as a professional one, as he sees El Cosmico as an important addition to the community he deeply cares about.
Conclusion
With a completion date slated for 2026, the expanded El Cosmico will be a one-of-a-kind destination, merging the creativity of modern architecture with the timeless beauty of the desert. While the original 21-acre site will remain operational until the expansion is complete, guests can look forward to a truly transformative experience once the new facilities open.
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