The walls of the main residence and its secondary accommodation were printed at the same time in eight days despite the weather and material problems.
Brittany Chang / Insider
The team then spent another five months finishing the rest of the house, such as window installation, wiring and plumbing.
Brittany Chang / Insider
And when it was finished, Icon invited me to spend a night in the three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath new construction…
Brittany Chang / Insider
…and the unique building technology, curved concrete walls, and high-end finishes made House Zero one of the most unique homes I’ve stayed in.
Brittany Chang / Insider
Spending a night at House Zero made me realize that 3D printing houses can be a strategic and functional construction method while producing beautiful and comfortable homes.
Brittany Chang / Insider
Many 3D printing enthusiasts see the technology as a way to alleviate our housing shortage and affordability crisis.
Brittany Chang / Insider
Like House Zero, a house that might take about a year to build “traditionally” can be printed and completed in just a few months…
Brittany Chang / Insider
…enabling homebuilders to build cheaper, faster, and more durable homes using fewer materials and less physical labor.
Brittany Chang / Insider
The technology might be heralded as a way to build more affordable homes faster, but House Zero is far from an example of an economical home.
Brittany Chang / Insider
Source: Initiated, Initiated
It was intended to loosen the range and practicality of Icon’s printing technology, Jason Ballard, co-founder and CEO of Icon, told Insider in an interview.
Brittany Chang / Insider
And like all stereotypical model homes, House Zero is packed with high-end furnishings and finishes that can appeal to even the most discerning visitor.
Brittany Chang / Insider
The rounded walls caught my eye as I first drove past the home in Austin, TX…
Brittany Chang / Insider
A building with this heavily exposed concrete is often associated with brutalist architecture, but nothing about House Zero screamed “brutalism” to me.
Brittany Chang /
The layered lavacrete – Icon’s internal “high strength” concrete – combined with the curved wall design gave House Zero an organic, flowing look.
Brittany Chang / Insider
Until this build, I had never seen a layered sloping wall before. And now I want something similar in my future home.
Brittany Chang / Insider
And it’s not just for aesthetic reasons. The form reinforces the structure of the house while serving as a natural separation from the open space.
Brittany Chang / Insider
“We’re not just going to invent robots, we’re also going to invent architecture,” Ballard said. “And it’s not clear that robotics companies have architecture invention business.”
Brittany Chang / Insider
Curvature aside, the striking layered walls – which were reinforced with steel and insulation – were unlike anything I had seen in a home before.
Brittany Chang / Insider
There was no need for art on the walls – the gray layers naturally became the focal point of the rooms in the house…
Brittany Chang / Insider
…while wooden walls and accents kept the space from appearing too cold and drab.
Brittany Chang / Insider
The first room next to the entrance is the open concept kitchen, living room and dining room.
Brittany Chang / Insider
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