Lennar, a leading home builder, and ICON construction technologies are teaming up to develop the largest community of 3D-printed homes to date, featuring 100 homes. The community will be co-designed by the BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group architecture firm.
The venture will utilize ICON’s robotics, software and advanced material. Groundbreaking is scheduled for 2022. The venture is being undertaken as a means of delivering affordable, technology-driven homes in light of rising demand.
"Labor and material shortages are two of the biggest factors pushing the dream of home ownership out of reach for many American families," said Eric Feder, president of LENX. "Lennar has always expanded the boundaries of technological innovation to keep quality homes affordable and 3D printing is an immensely encouraging approach. We are excited to collaborate with ICON to develop solutions to emerging challenges in the coming years."
Building homes that are resilient and energy efficient can be done faster with ICON’s 3D-printing technology than with conventional methods of construction. 3D printing also creates less waste and makes more design options possible due, at least in part, to volume 3D printing done with precision and speed. ICON’s Vulcan construction system can produce homes and other structures up to 3,000 square feet. These buildings meet the International Building Code structural code standard. They are expected to last as long — or longer — than standard concrete masonry unit built homes.
ICON’s advanced materials and wall system last longer and are safer and more resilient than traditional materials. The 3D-printed homes withstand extreme weather with reduced impact from natural disasters. They can be printed at high speeds and at scale.
"Construction-scale 3D printing not only delivers higher-quality homes faster and more affordably, but fleets of printers can change the way that entire communities are built for the better. The United States faces a deficit of approximately 5 million new homes, so there is a profound need to swiftly increase supply without compromising quality, beauty, or sustainability and that is exactly the strength of our technology,” said ICON co-founder and CEO Jason Ballard.
