Hospitality visionary Liz Lambert has announced that El Cosmico, a unique campground hotel in Marfa (Texas), will be reimagined and expanded to over 60 acres using large-scale 3D printing.
As per a press release, the project is a collaboration between Lambert’s team, the leader of advanced construction technologies pioneering large-scale 3D printing, and BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group, a world-renowned Architecture firm.
The innovative development will feature El Cosmico guest units and new hospitality programming, including a pool, spa, and shared communal facilities.
Using large-scale 3D-printing technology will allow for the creation of entirely new architectural approaches, including domes, arches, vaults, and parabolic forms.
The design combines the connection between the high desert landscape and cosmic organizations, making it a truly one-of-a-kind experience for guests.
The project will break ground in 2024 and will showcase the latest advanced construction technologies, pioneering large-scale 3D printing.
Jason Ballard, co-founder and CEO of ICON, said, “The truly unique and divergent architectures made possible by 3D printing are just beginning.”
In addition to providing guests with a unique experience, this project has the potential to benefit private campground owners and operators.
Using 3D printing technology, private campground owners and operators can create innovative and unique structures to attract more guests and increase revenue.
The project will also assess the opportunity to 3D-print affordable housing in Marfa to serve the evolving needs of the town. This could potentially solve the growing housing crisis in many parts of the country.
Lambert shared her excitement for the project, saying, “In collaborating with the revolutionary thinkers at BIG and ICON, not only do I get to fulfill this dream, but we get to do it using this incredible 3D printing technology that marries the oldest principles of raw earth-based building with a futuristic technology that works more quickly, sustainably and efficiently than modern construction. What’s more, the innovation and beauty of the types of structures we can build extends far beyond the box.”
The expansion and re-imagination of El Cosmico will continue to celebrate the convergence of creative culture and the minimalistic natural environment of the Marfa landscape.
The collection of BIG-designed two, three, and four-bedroom homes feature expansive views of the Davis Mountains and range from 1,200 sq. ft to 2,200 sq. ft.
The project could transform the hospitality industry and set a new innovative and sustainable construction standard.
The use of large-scale 3D printing technology not only provides a unique experience for guests but campground owners and operators can also benefit from this technology by creating innovative and unique structures that can attract more guests and increase revenue.
Featured image from ICON.