Texas Gets a High-Tech Hotel Makeover: 3D Printing Meets the Desert

Marfa, Texas, known for its quirky art scene and stunning landscapes, is about to make headlines again—but this time, it’s not for its mysterious lights or modern art installations. The town will soon be home to the world’s first 3D-printed hotel, courtesy of El Cosmico, a unique campground and hotel that’s getting a futuristic upgrade. And yes, it’s as cool as it sounds—open-air bathtubs, infinity pools, and more.

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What’s the Big Deal About a 3D-Printed Hotel?

Imagine walking into a hotel where everything from the walls to the furniture was built by a giant 3D printer. Welcome to El Cosmico 2.0. The hotel and campground, already a popular destination for glampers and nature lovers, is expanding with 43 new hotel units and 18 residential homes—all created using cutting-edge 3D printing technology.

So, why 3D printing? For starters, it allows for some wild architectural designs that traditional construction methods just can’t match. El Cosmico’s owner, Liz Lambert, teamed up with Texas-based 3D printing company ICON and famed architectural firm Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) to dream up a space where curves, domes, and parabolas can take center stage. Lambert summed it up perfectly: “It’s a crazy way to build.” Crazy in the best way, right?

The Amenities: Open-Air Bathhouse and an Infinity Pool, Anyone?

If you think a 3D-printed hotel is futuristic, wait until you hear about the amenities. El Cosmico’s expansion will feature everything from a “reset room” (where you can finally reset your brain after that seven-hour drive through Texas) to a full-on bathhouse with a Hammam, sauna, cold plunge, hot tubs, and treatment yurts. Yes, yurts.

And for those who prefer their relaxation with a cocktail in hand, there’s a new bar and restaurant in the works. Oh, and did I mention the circular infinity pool? Picture yourself floating under the desert stars—no big deal, just your average night at a 3D-printed oasis.

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How Does This Whole 3D Printing Thing Work?

For the curious minds wondering how you 3D print an entire building, let me break it down. The process starts with a digital file, which the printer then uses to “print” the structure layer by layer. The material, a special cement blend called Lavacrete, is piped out by ICON’s Vulcan 3D printer—this beast stands 15.5 feet tall and weighs nearly five tons. As it prints, workers adjust the mixture depending on weather conditions, ensuring everything comes out strong and stable.

Thanks to this futuristic method, El Cosmico will offer mind-bending architectural features without the hefty price tag traditional construction would carry. And if you’re itching to experience it, you won’t have to wait too long—the hotel expansion is set to be completed by 2026, with rooms ranging from $200 to $450 a night.

So, whether you’re planning your next glamping trip or just curious to see what happens when tech meets the Texas desert, El Cosmico’s 3D-printed hotel is definitely one to watch. Just make sure to book a room before they print out!