Austin Place
Typology: Hospitality Architecture
Organiser: Icon Build
Visuals: Sabi Space
Site: Austin, Texas
Year: 2023
Innovative housing using
3D-printing technologies
Each 390 ft2 house is divided into two main areas, a 'utility space' with a kitchen and bathroom facing a public courtyard; and a second space with a living room and bedroom facing a private backyard, connected to greenery and water, promoting emotional well-being. Lastly, a third space, shared among four accommodations, a flexible area for users to work and use their talents.
The design is carefully optimised to allow for the ICON 3D printer to print the walls of 4 houses and a community space with one single curve, without repositioning the nozzle.
Inspired by American bungalow-style homes, the prefabricated box gable roof offers cultural resonance and promotes air circulation, while the double-glazed, prefabricated windows are strategically positioned at the top of the wall to avoid the need for special support. Internal furniture and fixings are made from cross-laminated timber (CLT), providing aesthetic warmth and fire resistance.
All the technologies focus on waste reduction, and all the materials are picked for their economic value, strength and sustainability. They are non-toxic, low-maintenance, and resilient to extreme weather, water, mould, termites, and fire.
Austin is known for its ambitious tech developers and Bohemian artisans, and a clash between the desire to "Keep Austin Weird" and “Let Austin Grow”. In this proposal, each unit is crafted to cost less than $99,000; here, technology and the “weird” are both valued and value each other’s untapped potential.
Passive design for
resilient living
The project envisions the creation of a passive house, combining advanced technologies and materials with natural resources, sun, water, air and biophilia. The eco-friendly living environment promises long-term returns on investment and overall well-being.
Indoor natural ventilation is prioritised, each room includes openings on opposite sides to optimise airflow. The pitched roof design aids in trapping and releasing hot air.
The pitched roof incorporates solar panels to generate renewable electricity and a gutter system connected to a rainwater collection pond. The pond further acts as nature's air conditioning system, trapping cold air and releasing hot air.
Similarly, planted trees contribute to temperature control, offering shade in the summer and allowing sunlight in the winter. Lastly, this green outdoor space is irrigated through a greywater plumbing system.
