El Cosmico: Future Campground Hotel with 3D Printing Technology

A desert camp project named El Cosmico is being designed by the Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) in collaboration with ICON as a pioneer of large-scale 3D printing. By developing 3D printing construction technology, the project will be a pilot study for the future. El Cosmico will be built in 2024 on 65 acres for hotelier Liz Lambert in Marfa, Texas. In addition to being used as a hotel lodging unit as a campsite, this place will also be equipped with permanent housing.

BIG and ICON are designing El Cosmico in Marfa, Texas

El Cosmico's design has gone through much research and development. The applied form is a parabolic hut-like structure made from 3D-printed concrete mix material. This technology is quite effective and becomes a reference for future construction. ICON co-founder Jason Ballard believes that the ability of 3D printing to create smooth organic shapes will give El Cosmico a natural look. The impression of being one with the desert is also applied to the color of the building, which matches the surrounding environment.

El Cosmico's design matches the desert environment

One of the spaces displayed is a bedroom with 3D-printed concrete walls. A mattress is placed on a raised floor, and above it is a circular skylight that becomes the way for sunlight to enter the room. Behind the curved wall that borders the sleeping area with other areas is a glass door that can be opened to access the front porch. This is where residents can sit back and relax, enjoying the desert scenery in Texas.

The interior design of El Cosmico

Although in the desert area, El Cosmico offers several complete facilities: a circular infinity pool, an open-air bathhouse, an outdoor kitchen, and other hospitality programs. This infinity pool is designed outdoors so visitors can see the desert sky in the afternoon. Later in the evening, the stars that adorn the desert sky in Texas shine on El Cosmico. In addition, additional lighting in each hotel and residential unit with warm and soothing light.

The infinity pool facility

The night sky view at EL Cosmico is full of warm light

To showcase before the construction of El Cosmico in 2024, BIG and ICON have teamed up to create a pavilion and music stage in Austin for this year's South by Southwest Festival (SXSW) which will open on March 15, 2023, to the public. The pavilion is made with organic shapes and geometry with the same materials and 3D printing technology. This technology has several advantages: being fast in work and giving architects the flexibility to create complex design forms. The results of this collaboration are expected to be an inspiration in the future regarding construction technology and futuristic design.

The 3D-printed performance pavilion brings a ‘taste of El Cosmico’ to Austin, Texas