This exclusive video published by Dezeen reveals the launch of a new global architecture competition to reimagine affordable housing, hosted by construction-scale 3D-printing company ICON.

The competition is called Initiative 99 and invites architects and designers to submit home designs that can be built for under $99,000 (USD).

Initiative 99 has a $1 million total prize purse and is open to all countries. Firms, individuals, and university students are all encouraged to participate.

The company has committed to building a selection of the winning designs in locations to be announced in the future.

More than 1.2 billion people across the planet lack adequate shelter, according to ICON, which invites designers and architects to leverage robotic construction techniques in tackling this issue with their home designs.

By employing ICON’s 3D-printing technology, submissions can depart from more traditional flat walls in order to create “entirely new types of homes”.

The multi-phase, year-long competition enlists the help of a judging panel of architectural practitioners, academic leaders and policy makers.

Among the panelists are Shajay Bhooshan, associate director at Zaha Hadid Architects.

ICON is headquartered in Austin, Texas, where it is currently building a neighbourhood of 100 3D-printed homes, designed by Danish architecture studio BIG.

In 2022, NASA awarded ICON a $57 million contract to develop roads, launchpads and homes on the moon.

Submissions for the Initiative 99 competition are now open. To read more about Initiative 99, visit its website.

Partnership content

This article was written by Dezeen for ICON as part of a partnership. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.

Read more: 3D-printed houses | Bjarke Ingels | Architecture and design competitions | ICON | Promotions