« back to Article

The Mars Ice House envisions the day Earthlings can live with ease atop the Martian surface

A transparent exterior ETFE membrane prevents the 3d printed ice shells from sublimating into the Martian atmosphere. Image © CloudsAO / SEArch. A transparent exterior ETFE membrane prevents the 3d printed ice shells from sublimating into the Martian atmosphere. Image © CloudsAO / SEArch. Mars Ice House is 3d printed from translucent ice which shields the crew from radiation, and transforms into a glowing beacon in the Martian night. Image © CloudsAO / SEArch. Section Perspective: a double ice shell housing programmatic spaces within its layers is 3d printed around a lander habitat. A vertical greenhouse between the habitat and shell forms the crew's yard. Image © CloudsAO / SEArch. A contemplative yard between the two ice shells serves as a buffer to prevent forward contamination of the Martian environment. Image © CloudsAO / SEArch. The scaled prototype as it is being constructed in ice by a 3D printer. Image © CloudsAO / SEArch. Sectional cut showing the interior of the 3D printed ice prototype. Image © CloudsAO / SEArch. Sectional cut showing the exterior of the 3D printed ice prototype. Image © CloudsAO / SEArch. Level 1 plan view. Image © CloudsAO / SEArch. Level 2 plan view. Image © CloudsAO / SEArch. Level 3 plan view. Image © CloudsAO / SEArch. Level 4 plan view. Image © CloudsAO / SEArch.

A transparent exterior ETFE membrane prevents the 3d printed ice shells from sublimating into the Martian atmosphere. Image © CloudsAO / SEArch.

A transparent exterior ETFE membrane prevents the 3d printed ice shells from sublimating into the Martian atmosphere. Image © CloudsAO / SEArch.