ICON releases affordable 3D printed homes in Austin

ICON, a 3D printing construction technology company, has released for sale three one-bedroom homes in Austin’s mixed-use, mixed-income Mueller community as part of the Mueller Affordable Homes Program for income-qualified individuals. These resilient, energy-efficient 650 square foot homes will be built alongside nearly a dozen two and three-bedroom 3D printed homes, all designed by Michael Hsu Office of Architecture.

The affordable one-bedroom homes for income-qualifying individuals were designed to maximize space without compromise. The first floor seamlessly integrates living, dining, and kitchen areas, creating an open and efficient layout. The homes feature standing seam roofs, private entrances, and complimentary finishes.

The Mueller Affordable Homes Program was established more than 20 years ago to sustain long-term affordability within Mueller, and is administered by the nonprofit Mueller Foundation. Following City of Austin and US Housing and Urban Development guidelines, households earning up to 80% of the Austin area’s median family income (MFI) may qualify to purchase a home in Mueller. Mueller also offers unique Workforce housing for those earning up to 120% of MFI.

“The Mueller Foundation is dedicated to providing residents with affordable housing, a sustainable environment, strong economic development, and an active community,” said Robin Lafleur, Executive Director of The Mueller Foundation. “Households can face difficulty with the cost of living in Austin, and the Mueller Affordable Homes Program helps bridge that gap.”

The homes will be walking distance to restaurants, shopping, parks, and more. Mueller’s master plan includes a wide variety of housing types for purchase or rent, a large commercial component with a large percentage of local businesses, and more than 140 acres of parks and open space with approximately 12 miles of hiking and biking trails that weave throughout the neighborhood.

The 3D printed wall systems of an ICON home provide higher levels of insulation that decrease the home’s temperature fluctuations in the summer and winter, and are designed to resist water, mold, termites, and fire. Conventional construction methods for second-story roofs, windows, and doors with elevated finishes are then used to complete the homes.

“At ICON, our north star is solving the global housing crisis. We are honored to support Austin’s housing goals by adding more homes through Mueller’s Affordable Homes program,” said Jared Kuhn, VP of Real Estate Development and Sales at ICON.