Initiative99 Phase 2: An Urban Still Life

Located in Austin, TX, our design was the winning entry for the ICON99 affordable housing competition. The goal of the project was to design small scale living units, utilizing Icon’s 3D printed concrete, that could be achieved for $99,000. Design Narrative Our entry presents an affordable housing prototype that balances functionality, individuality, and community interaction. Designed to address daily needs, the duplex fosters a sense of identity for residents while encouraging social connections. Additionally, the project showcases ICON’s 3D printing technology and its ability to facilitate innovative forms and textures. Planning At the macro level, the design prioritizes autonomy and spatial efficiency. Each unit operates independently, with entry porches located at opposite corners of the site to ensure privacy and distinct access. This approach reflects the site’s multi-sided nature, moving away from conventional front and backyard arrangements. On a micro level, the layout organizes spaces around four zones: entry, living, sleeping, and bathing. These zones radiate from a central millwork wall that integrates a kitchenette, television, and storage. This wall serves as both the experiential heart of each unit, with its tactile materials, and the mechanical core, housing shared utilities and plumbing components. The resulting design offers floor-through exposures, ceiling-height glazing, connected yet distinct spaces, and natural privacy from the exterior, creating a sense of openness and scale. Form and Patterning The duplex features six curvilinear volumes positioned around the site’s perimeter, with interstitial glazing and opposing screened porches. These sculptural forms create an “urban still life” of solids and voids, blending architecture with its garden setting. Each volume exemplifies ICON’s 3D printing potential, demonstrating expressive shapes and intricate textures. The textured surfaces draw inspiration from the traditional textile patterns and beading of the Tonkawa people and other Native American tribes of the Austin area. Horizontal banding patterns articulate the forms through a basketweave aesthetic, using the irregularities and imperfections inherent in ICON Lavacrete to achieve a handcrafted, artisanal quality. Together, the forms and textures connect Austin’s heritage with cutting-edge building technology. Individualization Each unit’s primary millwork wall, window frames, and porch framing are painted in colors selected from a curated palette, allowing residents to express their individuality. These color choices are reflected in the interstitial spaces between printed volumes, further enhancing the exterior’s visual identity and creating a personalized, dynamic appearance for each unit. Interiors The interiors emphasize material authenticity, using polished concrete floors, OSB ceilings inherent in SIP roof panels, and the textured striations of ICON’s tinted Lavacrete. Painted wood elements such as doors and millwork provide additional opportunities for personalization. Built-in furniture elements, coupled with standard-sized loose furniture pieces, offers flexibility and efficiency within the compact space. Technology The design utilizes ICON’s 3D printing to create cost-effective, high-performance load-bearing walls. These walls feature integral ledges to support SIP roof panels, with parapets extending above the roofline to emphasize the vertical form. Sustainable strategies, including cross-ventilation and sun shading and enhanced energy efficiency. This innovative approach combines cutting-edge technology, affordability, and a commitment to community-focused living.