Lennar, the No. 2 builder on the 2021 Builder 100, and ICON, a construction technologies company, have announced a commitment to build the largest community of 3D-printed homes to date using ICON’s robotics, software, and advanced materials. Breaking ground in 2022, the 100-home community will be co-designed by Bjarke Ingels Group.
The announcement deepens a relationship that began with Lennar’s investment in ICON’s recent $207 million financing round and offers a path toward delivering affordable, technology-driven homes.
“ICON exists as a response to the global housing crisis and to put our technology in service to the world,” says Jason Ballard, co-founder and CEO at ICON. “It is an honor and a huge milestone for ICON to partner with Lennar. We believe this will be a watershed moment in the history of community-scale development and the future breaking into the present.”
Designed and engineered for volume 3D home printing, ICON’s Vulcan construction system can deliver homes and structures up to 3,000 square feet that are built to code and expected to last as long or longer than standard-built homes. According to the company, the proprietary wall system and advanced materials are stronger and longer-lasting than traditional building materials and provide safer, more resilient homes that are designed to withstand extreme weather.
Lennar’s investment in ICON’s Series B financing round in August was facilitated by LENX, which drives a focused strategy within Lennar to integrate technology solutions across the industry. LENX provides hands-on mentorship and guidance from senior leaders of Lennar’s management team and a marquee opportunity to provide products and technology to Lennar customers.
“Labor and material shortages are two of the biggest factors pushing the dream of homeownership out of reach for many American families,” says Eric Feder, president of LENX. “Lennar has always expanded the boundaries of technological innovation to keep quality homes affordable, and 3D printing is an immensely encouraging approach. We are excited to collaborate with ICON to develop solutions to emerging challenges in the coming years.”
