3D-printed home community comes to Austin

A 100-home community of 3D-printed houses is coming to Austin, and it's expected to be the largest of its kind.

What to watch: Groundbreaking is set for next year using Austin-based ICON robots, software and advanced materials for the construction.

• Home-building giant Lennar and construction tech company ICON announced the project Tuesday, which will be co-designed by architecture firm BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group.
• It’s not yet clear where developers will build the homes or how much they will cost.

Why it matters: ICON says its large-scale 3D printers will produce resilient, energy-efficient homes.

• The properties can be made quicker, cheaper and with less waste than traditional construction methods.
• Another added bonus: Quick production means addressing the shortage of homes in the area faster.

Flashback: ICON’s 3D homes aren’t new to Austin and the surrounding area. The company completed four in East Austin this August. Two sold for around $800,000 a pop.

What they’re saying: "ICON exists as a response to the global housing crisis and to put our technology in service to the world," ICON co-founder and CEO Jason Ballard said. "Construction-scale 3D printing not only delivers higher-quality homes faster and more affordably, but fleets of printers can change the way that entire communities are built for the better."