In the deserts of West Texas, the US, 3D printing technology and the hospitality industry have come together to build what is claimed to be the world’s first 3D-printed hotel, El Cosmico. The hotel is being constructed by ICON, an Austin-based 3D printing company, on a 21-acre site in Marfa. The owners plan to expand the project into 43 hotel units and 18 residential homes. El Cosmico owner and hotelier Liz Lambert says, “I’ve never been able to build with such little constraint and such fluidity.” Meanwhile, some experts raise concerns about the impact on local jobs, as automation could displace skilled labour, particularly in remote areas. However, Lambert remains optimistic about this innovative approach.
