IAAC Students Reimagine 3D Printed Housing and win ICON Architecture Competition
The Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC) is pleased to announce that Casa Fami, a project by students of the Postgraduate in 3D Printing Architecture (3DPA), has secured first place in the student category of the ICON Global Architecture Competition, Initiative 99. Additionally, another student project, Nex-Living, received an Honorable Mention.
Robotic construction is faster, more efficient, and enables entirely new architectural forms. The ICON architecture competition, Initiative 99, is a global event aimed at reimagining a disruptive solution for affordable housing.
The winning project developed by 3DPA researchers Vesela Tabakova, Joseph Naguib, and Justin Hanlon, Casa Fami, is a house designed for single-parent families in Austin, Texas. It is built around inner courtyards, which provide natural light, peaceful views, and safe play areas for children. Through historically-inspired, passive, climate-regulating techniques, it optimizes comfort and keeps utility bills low. Sophisticated walls are selectively encoded with privacy, airflow, and illumination oriented features. It is a home that – enabled by 3D printing – aims to put comfort, beauty, and even luxury within financial reach of as many families as possible.
Casa Fami is a project of IAAC, developed during the Postgraduate in 3D Printing Architecture (3DPA) 2023/24.
Researchers: Vesela Tabakova, Joseph Naguib, and Justin Hanlon
Faculty: Edouard Cabay
Faculty Assistant: Nestor Beguin
The honorable mention project, developed by 3DPA researchers M’Hamed Alila and Yang Xiao, Nex-Living’s “Pocket 3D Printed Neighborhood”, is a design solution that not only tackles affordability challenges but revolutionizes the housing experience for digitally engaged professionals and couples. Going beyond conventional norms, it leverages the transformative power of 3D printing technology. From rapid construction to mass customization, this innovative approach not only shapes modern, affordable living but also fosters a profound sense of community, neighborly interaction, and a pedestrian-friendly environment. The design narrative unfolds in the heart of Austin, where basic plots serve as a canvas to explore the possibilities of creating a community that prioritizes pedestrian-friendly spaces and easy access to shared amenities.
NEX-LIVING is a project of IAAC, developed during the Postgraduate in 3D Printing Architecture (3DPA) 2023/24
Researchers: M’Hamed Alila; Yang Xiao
Faculty: Edouard Cabay
Faculty assistant: Nestor Beguin
About ICON
ICON is a company that develops advanced construction technologies that advance humanity by using 3D printing robotics, software and advanced materials.
About 3DPA
The Postgraduate in 3D Printing Architecture is a 6-month long intensive programme in the field of additive manufacturing of sustainable architecture. Between the use of advanced technology for construction and the desire to develop a holistic design approach to architecture, we engage with different areas of research that include robotic manufacturing, material research and performance-based design. The programme seeks to develop technological and architectural solutions in collaboration with Industry partners to answer the current needs and challenges of our habitat. Discover more.