Affordable housing in the US from Icon using 3D technology
The American real estate market is in the midst of a long-standing crisis. Property prices are rising, and the main issue is the reduction of opportunities for consumers. One solution could be affordable housing, which would be inexpensive to build.
Icon, a 3D printing company, has presented its approach to overcoming the crisis. In early 2025, the firm announced technology that enables the construction of residential complexes using 3D printing and began implementing it. The Mueller project involves the construction of three houses for low-income families in Texas.
Each property has a standard layout:
– area — about 60 square meters;
– two floors;
– the first floor has a living room, kitchen, and dining room;
– the second floor has a bedroom and bathroom.
The interior design focuses on making the space appear larger. The kitchen has an open layout, and ribbed walls enhance the spaciousness.
Icon uses its own 3D printer for construction. The buildings undergo construction in stages. For the first floor, a cement-like mixture comes out of a nozzle and creates a solid structure layer by layer. The second floor is built traditionally, based on a wooden frame. The house’s roof is made of metal.
Advantages of the 3D method
Icon representatives note that the company’s technology is revolutionary for the market. It is designed to speed up construction work. At the same time, this approach ensures the reliability of the structure and offers several advantages over standard methods:
– walls printed on a 3D printer have a high level of insulation;
– the structure reduces temperature differences between outdoor and indoor conditions;
– the building demonstrates a high level of resistance to mold and parasites;
– it provides a high level of protection against water and fire.
Another advantage is the affordability of these structures. A house from Icon costs about US$195,000. Meanwhile, projects from other companies that use 3D technology start at US$350,000.
It is unclear how well this format will become established in the market. However, interest in 3D construction is growing. Many companies use the technology to print individual building elements.
Notably, the US is not the first country to actively use this approach. In May 2025, a large-scale project was completed in Switzerland. The project involved constructing the world’s tallest 3D-printed building. The 100-foot-tall tower is open to visitors and is used for events and theatrical performances.