In Georgetown, Texas, just outside of Austin, an expansive new development is making headlines as the largest 3D-printed community globally.
This innovative project showcases a future where housing construction can meet modern demands through advanced technology.

Partnership and Development

Two years ago, the second-largest homebuilder in the United States, Lennar, formed a partnership with Icon, a pioneering company in 3D printing technology, to create 100 homes at the Wolf Ranch development. According to reports, approximately 75% of these homes have already been sold.

The homes within this community are distinguished by their unique design, featuring rounded walls produced by specialized printers. The use of this layered construction technique gives the surfaces a textured feel, resembling broad corduroy. Interestingly, the roofs of these structures are made of metal, setting them apart from their 3D-printed walls, which are fully solar-powered.

Innovative Technology and Construction Efficiency

The project began in 2022 with just two robotic printers operating round-the-clock. However, as demand grew, Icon expanded its operations to include 11 printers by the second year. This development cut the printing time in half, allowing for the production of up to two homes each week, with each machine performing the work equivalent to more than a dozen construction workers.

Jason Ballard, CEO of Icon, emphasized the importance of field experience, stating, “All the learnings about this technology need to happen at scale. The truth is in the field, not in the lab.” He noted that coordinating with Lennar’s extensive operations presented a significant learning opportunity for his team.

Home Features and Community Benefits

The homes in this 3D-printed community include features comparable to standard Lennar offerings. With two- and three-bedroom options available, prices for these homes start at just under $400,000. Residents have reported considerable advantages, such as lower electricity bills and enhanced safety due to the durable construction materials.

“I feel safer in this house than any house I’ve ever lived in, because it’s so well built, it’s not going to burn down,” said Holly Feekings, a homeowner in the community.

Another resident, Pierre Megie, shared his enthusiasm for the aesthetic qualities of the home, mentioning their desire for features like tall doors, high ceilings, and concrete flooring, which are present in their 3D-printed residence.

Future Prospects for 3D-Printed Housing

This innovative community has served as a valuable experiment for Lennar and Icon. While initial costs were slightly higher than expected, both companies have expressed optimism about future projects, including plans for a second 3D-printed community in Texas comprising approximately 200 homes. This upcoming venture is anticipated to benefit from the lessons learned in Georgetown, resulting in reduced construction costs and time.

Stuart Miller, chairman and co-CEO of Lennar, shared, “We’ve seen our costs go down by half. We’ve seen our cycle time go down by half.” Such improvements could pave the way for more affordable and accessible housing options.

Addressing concerns about trade tariffs affecting construction materials, Ballard confirmed that all concrete used in their projects is sourced domestically.