Nuvah targets November start for 3D-printed bungalow

PETALING JAYA (Sept 2): Nuvah Sdn Bhd, which V3D Asia Ltd identifies as its Malaysian commercial arm, is targeting the start of construction in November for Villa Bayu, a proposed 3D-printed luxury bungalow at the Gentlebre Precinct of Eco Majestic in Semenyih, Selangor.

V3D Asia and Nuvah describe Villa Bayu as what they say will be Malaysia’s first 3D-printed luxury bungalow. Details including its built-up area, selling price, construction timeline and the extent of works to be carried out using 3D construction printing were not disclosed.

The proposed bungalow forms part of the group’s plan to commercialise 3D construction printing (3DCP) for residential, commercial and infrastructure applications in Malaysia, according to the company.

Gantry-based construction system

Nuvah said it uses V3D Asia’s gantry-based concrete-printing system, which deposits material in layers according to a digital design. The company said the method allows continuous wall structures and curved building forms while reducing reliance on certain conventional construction processes, including formwork and wet trades.

According to Nuvah’s website, the system can achieve up to 500mm of vertical rise in a 12-hour shift. The company also said its printing mortar uses locally sourced materials together with proprietary additives.

V3D Asia group chairman Kazuhiro Ono said the group’s strategy is to develop local capabilities around the technology, including workforce development, materials science and quality control.

“Malaysia’s opportunity in 3D construction printing will not be built by machines alone. Any country can buy a printer. What is far harder, and far more valuable, is a workforce that understands the technology, the materials and the craftsmanship behind it,” he said in a statement.

“Our ambition is not to sell equipment into Malaysia. It is to build the industry here — the printers, the homes and, above all, the people. If we do that properly, Malaysia will not be a customer for this technology in ten years’ time. It will be the region’s supplier of it,” Ono added.

Bali and Brunei projects

V3D Asia also said it is targeting completion of a 12-villa development in Bali, Indonesia, by December 2027.

V3D Asia’s website states that its technology was previously used for a proof-of-concept project in Brunei comprising a prayer hall and public restrooms, with a combined printed area of 314 sq m. V3D Asia says the facilities opened to the public in December 2025.

SIRIM, CIDB initiatives

Separately, V3D Asia and Nuvah announced in June a collaboration with SIRIM Academy Sdn Bhd to support the development of an industry standards framework for 3D construction printing in Malaysia.

Under the collaboration, V3D Asia and Nuvah are to contribute materials, engineering and implementation expertise to the drafting process, while SIRIM Academy is to contribute standards-development, training and certification expertise to the initiative.

SIRIM Academy covering chief executive officer Dr Mohd Bakri Jali said at the time that developing industry standards was an important step towards the safe and structured adoption of emerging construction technologies in Malaysia.

The group said Nuvah is also engaging the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) on the potential inclusion of 3D construction printing within Malaysia’s Industrialised Building System framework.

Nuvah describes itself as a design-led developer and joint-venture partner focused on 3D construction-printing applications including bespoke residences, public facilities and cold-chain infrastructure. The company said its approach is intended to reduce reliance on selected conventional construction activities while providing greater design flexibility.

..........

EdgeProp monthly brings you data, insights and solutions for an evolving market. Subscribe now for your free copy!