ICON Vulcan

The lack of affordable housing has become more and more of a problem around the globe. Tiny houses and other alternative projects are intended to provide remedies in the medium term. The ICON Vulcan 3D printer for homes has also been developed to help tackle the global housing crisis. The printer is capable of simultaneously printing two to three stable single-storey homes within a few days – and without almost any material waste. A first series of homes for homeless people has already been built in Texas and Mexico. The Vulcan 3D printer is the first physical product of the still young brand and that is why its industrial design was to be groundbreaking for the future brand language. The primary design maxim was to resolve the tension between man and high-tech machinery in such a way that the appearance of the 3D printer for homes conveys an image of being tech-forward yet at the same time approachable. In contrast to many construction machines that look aggressive and intimidating, Vulcan, with its iconic silhouette, simple geometry and interplay of hard edges and gentle curves, exudes a pared-down and even friendly appearance that arouses curiosity rather than apprehension. Moreover, lighting effects serve to enhance on-site functionality and highlight the brand logo. To add calm to the exterior and ensure protection from adverse weather, all cables and material tubes were routed inside the device.