The world's first 3D-printed hotel is being built in the Texas. Its creator looks like any other 3D printer , but it's huge and is building this special hotel, layer by layer.
El Cosmico, an existing hotel and campground on the outskirts of Marfa, Texas, is building 43 new hotel units and 18 residences on over 10 acres, with the help of 3D printing technology.
Owner Liz Lambert says it is the world's first 3D-printed hotel, a project by 3D printing company ICON and architecture firm Bjarke Ingels Group.
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Lambert is excited about 3D printing technology and claims that it allows for unprecedented creativity.
“Most hotels are within four walls and a lot of times you’re building the same unit over and over and over again,” Lambert said. The owner says that with 3D printing there aren’t as many limitations, you can make shapes, curves, domes. “It’s a crazy way to build,” she added.
Additionally, Lambert highlighted the cost savings. The units can include architectural features that would normally be too expensive on a large scale with traditional construction.
The walls are created by Vulcan , a 3D printer 14.2 m wide, 4.7 m high and weighing 4.75 tons.
A print technician watches the Vulcan as its robotic arm and nozzle glide through the construction site onto a bridge.
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The “ink” for this 3D printer is a special cement-based material called Lavacrete. ICON CEO and founder Jason Ballard said workers adjust and mix the ingredients based on weather conditions.
"The magic happens in the impurities that allow us to continue printing," Ballard said, adding that humidity, temperature and radiation affect the behavior of the material, even the final color.
The expansion of El Cosmico is set to be completed by 2026.
3D-printed hotels
The idea of creating 3D-printed hotels is innovative and very interesting. The entire hotel, from walls and floors to furniture and decor, could be created through the technology, allowing for greater customization and flexibility in design, as well as faster construction times compared to traditional methods.
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In addition to providing an innovative and sustainable approach to hospitality, 3D-printed hotels also have the potential to create new jobs in the industry.
The first 3D-printed hotel in Texas is starting to take shape and offers a glimpse into the future of hospitality and construction. Considering the many benefits and innovative possibilities of the technology, it’s likely we’ll see more of these unique hotels popping up around the world in the near future.
Source: www.reuters.com
