The winners of Initiative 99, a global competition aimed at designing affordable housing that can be built for $99,000 or less, were announced by ICON, a leader in 3D-printing technology. The competition, which attracted submissions from over 60 countries, featured designs specifically tailored to create solutions for Austin’s homeless population, currently estimated at around 4,600 people. Two winning designs from Guerin Glass Architects and Concave were selected to be 3D-printed as part of the Community First! Village expansion in Austin, Texas. This project, backed by a $500,000 grant from Wells Fargo, aims to provide much-needed housing for the homeless, with construction set to begin in early 2025.
Phase 2 of the competition showcased global design innovations for affordable housing, focusing on adapting these concepts to local needs. Winners from both professional and student categories were celebrated, with designs to be featured in ICON’s digital architecture library, CODEX, making them accessible to builders and developers worldwide. ICON also announced future plans to incorporate Initiative 99-winning designs in the expansion of the El Cosmico campground in Marfa, Texas, in partnership with Liz Lambert. This project will feature 3D-printed hotels, homes, and hospitality spaces.
The Initiative 99 competition not only highlights the potential of 3D printing in revolutionizing affordable housing but also emphasizes its local impact in Austin and broader implications for housing solutions globally.
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