Two years in the making, Singapore’s first 3D-printed multi-storey residence proves that radical innovation and residential warmth can go hand in hand.
2 July 2025
Text by Yen Kien Hang
When the time came to rebuild his family’s 1990s neoclassical-style home in Bukit Timah, architect Lim Koon Park, founder of Park + Associates, envisioned something far more experimental. Having previously worked with CES (the parent company of CES_InnovFab) on various projects through his firm, this latest collaboration became a chance to explore the large-scale application of 3D-printing technology in a residential setting. The result is Singapore’s first 3D-printed multi-storey residence — a groundbreaking venture that pushes the boundaries of conventional homebuilding.
But where to begin? For Lim, the design process did not start with the constraints or capabilities of 3D printing in mind. “We did not do anything too differently compared to when we designed a house with conventional build methods,” explains Lim. “This meant we were still focused on creating good quality architectural spaces, and that came first in many respects. It was only during design development that modifications and adjustments were made as necessary to accommodate or take advantage of the 3D-printing process.”
It is for this reason that the exterior of the house was kept quiet, with little hinting at its technology-driven construction methods. The scale and height of the house are in line and in harmony with its neighbours, with fenestration that is controlled, subtle, and respectful to its surroundings.
As one enters the house, the oculus – directly above the dining room – is the first key design element that will greet and wow you. It is anchored at the centre of the house, shaping the entrance experience on the first storey, and spatial journey on the upper storeys. The significance of the oculus relates to Lim’s memories of the old house, where it has a strong sense of geometric forms and formal spatial arrangement. On the upper storeys, spaces and rooms are organised around it. Its presence is experienced throughout the home as it leaves its ochre-stained slivers through the bedrooms and circulation spaces.
While the house comprises more than 90% 3D-printed material, created both on-site and off-site using a custom concrete mix honed through extensive R&D, another notable and sustainable design method was implemented in the powder room. In here, marble offcuts from local suppliers’ bins that would otherwise go to waste, were sourced and reused as floor finish.
“QR3D is a sustainable home that remains relevant,” says Lim. Even though it employs novel technology with a distinctive aesthetic, he was intent on creating a comfortable family home — one that would continue to serve the people living in it over time. One such consideration was designing the top floor to accommodate his adult son, who is also a full-time architect. More than a practical gesture, it reflects Lim’s thoughtful approach to family living — creating space for independence, connection, and the quiet continuity of sharing a home across generations.
In conclusion, QR3D is more than just a 3D-printed house. It’s a thoughtful blend of innovation and intimacy — a home shaped by technology, yet deeply rooted in lived experience. Lim’s design reflects not only his architectural vision but also the personal connections that give meaning to space. As the family continues to create new memories within its walls, QR3D stands as a beacon of what is possible when architecture embraces technology without losing its heart.
Park + Associates
parkassociates.com.sg
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Photography by Jovian Lim unless otherwise stated
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