PODCASTS > Arcat Detailed Podcast Episode

153: 3D Printed Construction | Red Rock House

49m |

In this episode, Cherise is joined by Tim Lankau and Ethan Wong, both Co-CEOs and founders of Hive ASMBLD, based in Houston, Texas. They discuss the Red Rock House located in Red Rock, Texas.

The Red Rock House redefines what’s possible in modern homebuilding, merging 3D-printed construction with prefabricated panel technology in the scenic Blue Sky Estates community. Once an untouched two-acre parcel, the site now offers a peaceful retreat less than forty-five minutes from Austin, where sweeping views and natural tranquility set the tone.

Click here for the extended length interview on YouTube

Tim Lankau, Founder and Co-CEO, HIVEASMBLD

Tim Lankau began his professional journey as an attorney in the construction world before immersing himself as a thought-leader in the 3D printing and construction innovation space. Alongside partners, he founded HiveASMBLD (formerly Hive3D Builders), aiming to tackle the housing affordability challenge by combining robotics, prefabrication, and advanced material science.

At HiveASMBLD, Lankau leads the development of 3D printed homes and oversees groundbreaking initiatives that underscore his commitment to equitable, innovative homeownership. Projects include various residential builds and one of the company's flagship initiatives, Zuri Gardens - an innovative, affordable housing neighborhood in Southeast Houston. Driven by the belief that every family deserves a safe, affordable place to call home, Lankau's vision is not just building houses, but to shape a sustainable, resilient future of homeownership.

Ethan Wong, Co-CEO and Inventor, HIVEASMBLD

Growing up in Silicon Valley, Ethan was surrounded by innovation and quickly developed a passion for building - whether it was LEGOs, rockets, or early tech prototypes. He created a location-sharing app that predated Snapchat Maps and later studied mechanical engineering at Harvard. At Harvard, he joined ICON as one of its earliest engineering hires, gaining hands-on experience in advanced construction technologies. That role inspired his first startup, which used composite materials and a patented structural system to push the boundaries of prefabricated housing.

Now, as co-founder of HiveASMBLD, Ethan is reinventing construction from the ground up. Alongside co-founder Tim Lankau, he's developing a 3D printing-based building system designed to radically reduce costs, improve quality, and empower crews to construct homes faster and more efficiently than ever before.

HiveASMBLD:

Founded in 2023, HiveASMBLD is a construction technology startup that utilizes a combination of modern building technologies including proprietary AI-driven design software, 3D construction printing technology and manufacturing to deliver more climate resistant and cost-competitive housing than traditional construction alone. The Houston-headquartered company is redefining the homebuilding process by offering sustainable, affordable, and design-forward housing solutions that are tailored for the modern homebuyer.

From custom homes to large-scale communities, it is committed to pushing the boundaries of what's possible - faster, smarter, and greener.

Project Name and Location: Red Rock Passive House, located in Red Rock, Texas

Red Rock House was thoughtfully designed as a blend between 3D printed construction technology and prefabricated panels in the Blue Sky Estates subdivision. At the beginning of the project the site was bare and minimum lot sizes are around 2 acres. A true escape less than 45 minutes from Austin. The views are spectacular.

In addition to this hybrid 3D printed home, we have another prefab panel home around the corner.

Both homes capture natural light and scenery.

HiveASMBLD made two big decisions with the Red Rock House - building the home to passive house standards (https://www.phius.org/) and pushing their custom designs to the limit.

The custom design includes multi-colored accent walls and a 3D printed kitchen island. This home is extremely durable, energy efficient, design-forward, and built to comfortable, healthy standards thanks to PHIUS input.

The HVAC and mechanical systems are specially designed to optimize airflow.

With energy usage and climate events becoming a growing concern in Texas, especially after the Great Freeze in 2021, this home is a solution on multiple levels. This home represents not only an evolution in custom home designs, but also an evolution in the built-in performance and features..

Status: In progress, completion 2025