Introduction: The Convergence of Technology and Design

Architecture has always balanced imagination with engineering precision. From Gothic cathedrals to Bauhaus modernism, every era has been defined by its materials and methods. Today, 3D printing—also known as additive manufacturing—is emerging as the next revolutionary force, reshaping how we design, prototype, and construct buildings. What began as a tool for rapid prototyping is now being applied to full-scale architectural structures, signaling a fundamental shift in how we conceptualize and realize the built environment.

This transformation is not just about new tools but about redefining the creative and structural boundaries of architecture. 3D printing introduces digital precision, material efficiency, and design freedom, enabling architects to translate complex geometries into tangible reality faster and more sustainably than traditional construction methods.

The Evolution of 3D Printing in Architecture

From Concept Models to Construction Components

In its early stages, 3D printing was primarily used for architectural modeling—creating miniature prototypes that helped clients visualize designs. This application reduced manual model-making time and enhanced presentation accuracy. However, the technology quickly advanced beyond small-scale prototyping.

With industrial-grade printers capable of extruding materials such as concrete, clay, polymer composites, and even bio-based substances, 3D printing evolved into a tool for fabricating building components—and eventually entire structures.

Key Milestones

1. 2014 – Winsun (China): One of the first companies to 3D-print full-sized concrete houses using a custom-built printer.

2. 2016 – Office of the Future (Dubai): The world’s first 3D-printed office building, demonstrating the scalability of the technology.

3. 2021 – ICON & NASA Collaboration: Using lunar regolith simulations to 3D-print structures that could support extraterrestrial habitats.

Each of these milestones reflects a growing confidence in 3D printing as a viable construction technology rather than a novelty.

How 3D Printing Works in Architecture

The Additive Manufacturing Process

Unlike subtractive methods that cut or mold materials, additive manufacturing builds layer by layer from a digital model (CAD file). In architectural applications, this process typically involves:

1. Digital Design & Simulation – The structure is modeled using parametric design software like Rhino or Grasshopper.

2. Material Preparation – Specialized mixtures such as printable concrete, geopolymers, or bioplastics are developed for extrusion.

3. Printing Execution – A robotic arm or gantry system deposits material precisely as per the digital model.

4. Curing & Post-Processing – Layers solidify or cure, often reinforced with rebar, insulation, or finishing treatments.

The result: structural components or even entire walls produced with millimeter-level accuracy.

The Advantages of 3D Printing in Architecture

1. Design Freedom

Traditional construction imposes limitations due to formwork and manual labor constraints. 3D printing removes these barriers, enabling organic, parametric, and biomimetic designs. Curves, lattice structures, and adaptive facades can be fabricated without additional cost or complexity.

2. Material Efficiency

Because materials are deposited only where needed, waste is dramatically reduced—a critical advancement in sustainable construction. Many architectural firms now experiment with locally sourced and recyclable materials, aligning with circular economy principles.

3. Speed and Cost Reduction

3D-printed structures can be erected in days rather than weeks, reducing labor costs and on-site risks. For instance, ICON’s 3D-printed homes in Texas can be completed in under 48 hours.

4. Sustainability and Carbon Reduction

By optimizing material use and reducing transportation needs, 3D printing directly contributes to lower embodied carbon. Moreover, bio-based materials such as mycelium composites or recycled polymers are gaining traction for eco-friendly architecture.

5. Customization and Scalability

Mass customization—once an oxymoron—is now achievable. With 3D printing, architects can personalize designs for specific environments, climates, or user needs without inflating costs.

Materials in 3D-Printed Architecture

Concrete-Based Materials

The most common medium for large-scale architectural 3D printing is cementitious composite. Formulated to flow easily yet retain structural integrity upon extrusion, it combines traditional concrete with additives like silica fume and fly ash for enhanced performance.

Polymers and Composites

For lightweight structures or façade elements, thermoplastic polymers (PLA, ABS, PETG) and fiber-reinforced composites are increasingly used. They allow high-resolution detailing and light-transmitting geometries.

Natural and Bio-Based Materials

Researchers are exploring clay, soil, hempcrete, and biopolymer blends for environmentally responsible construction. Such materials reduce reliance on high-carbon cement while improving thermal properties.

Iconic 3D-Printed Architectural Projects

1. The Office of the Future – Dubai

A 250-square-meter office printed in 17 days, demonstrating the scalability of concrete 3D printing. It used a 6-meter-tall printer and reduced construction waste by over 60%.

2. TECLA House – Italy

Designed by Mario Cucinella Architects, TECLA is made entirely from local clay, symbolizing the union of vernacular materiality and digital craftsmanship. It is fully recyclable and energy-efficient.

3. Project Milestone – Netherlands

Europe’s first 3D-printed residential community, where each house showcases unique geometries produced using parametric algorithms.

4. ICON’s House Zero – USA

Combining robotics, AI-driven design, and 3D printing, ICON built a high-performance home integrating passive cooling and low-carbon materials—a model for future housing.

The Role of Digital Design and AI in 3D Printing Architecture

3D printing in architecture thrives on the integration of parametric modeling, machine learning, and AI-driven optimization. These technologies enable architects to:

• Analyze structural behavior before printing

• Optimize material distribution for minimal waste

• Simulate environmental performance (daylight, airflow, temperature)

• Generate adaptive forms based on site-specific data

By merging data intelligence with fabrication, architects are evolving into computational designers—a discipline where form, function, and fabrication are algorithmically linked.

Challenges and Limitations

While 3D printing offers transformative potential, several challenges remain:

1. Regulatory Hurdles

Building codes and zoning regulations have not yet fully adapted to 3D-printed construction. Certification processes lag behind technological capabilities.

2. Material Constraints

Current printable materials are limited in tensile strength and thermal performance, requiring hybrid reinforcement methods.

3. Scalability and Cost of Equipment

Industrial printers are expensive and require significant power, making them inaccessible for smaller architectural firms.

4. Workforce Training

Transitioning from manual labor to digitally controlled fabrication requires reskilling architects, engineers, and contractors.

Sustainability and the Circular Future of Architecture

3D printing aligns strongly with sustainable architecture principles, including:

• Resource efficiency through precise material deposition

• Reduced waste streams

• Local production minimizes transportation emissions

• Recyclability and modularity for adaptable reuse

Emerging research focuses on closed-loop material systems, where printed components can be ground, remixed, and reprinted, creating circular construction cycles. When combined with renewable energy and low-carbon binders, this could redefine architecture’s relationship with the environment.

The Social Impact of 3D-Printed Construction

Beyond aesthetics and technology, 3D printing has profound social implications. Affordable housing projects in regions like Latin America, Africa, and Asia use 3D printing to combat housing shortages.

Organizations like New Story and ICON have already built communities using low-cost 3D-printed homes designed to withstand local environmental conditions. These projects illustrate how additive manufacturing can bridge technological innovation and social equity—creating sustainable shelter at scale.

The Future: From Earth to Mars

The architectural applications of 3D printing are not limited to Earth. NASA and ESA are actively researching in-situ resource utilization (ISRU)—using local materials like lunar or Martian soil to 3D-print habitats for space exploration. This futuristic vision reflects a profound truth: additive manufacturing could become the universal language of construction, adaptable to any environment, planet, or material.

Conclusion: Printing the Next Chapter of Architecture

3D printing represents more than a new construction method—it’s a new philosophy of making. It challenges traditional hierarchies between design, fabrication, and sustainability, allowing architects to prototype ideas directly into built form.

As material science, robotics, and AI converge, the dream of digitally crafted, ecologically responsible architecture is rapidly becoming a reality. Whether printing a Mars habitat or a local home, the goal remains the same: to build smarter, faster, and more harmoniously with our planet.

Architectural site models are powerful tools for effective communication. They help planning officers, investors, and communities tangibly visualize projects. But creating them comes with a cost—both financial and environmental.

Traditionally, site models have been carved from foam boards or dense model-making sheets using CNC routers. More recently, additive methods like large-format SLA (stereolithography) 3D printing have become a viable alternative. Both approaches deliver the scale and presence architects need, but they differ dramatically in how they use (and waste) materials.

This article explores the sustainability case for each method, focusing on waste reduction, energy use, transport, and reusability. The aim isn’t to declare one approach “better,” but to help practices choose the method—or combination—that aligns with their sustainability goals.

Why Waste Matters in Architectural Model-Making

Before diving into processes, it’s worth asking why waste deserves attention in the first place.

• Volume of material: Site models, especially urban masterplans and campus layouts, cover wide areas. They require substantial baseboards, terrain, and massing. That means a lot of input material before you even start adding detail.

• Short lifespans: Many models are created for competitions, exhibitions, or planning submissions. After their purpose is served, they’re often dismantled or discarded.

• Hidden costs: Waste doesn’t just sit in a bin. It carries embodied carbon from extraction, processing, and transport. Foam offcuts and dust also present recycling challenges, while resin and solvent waste needs careful handling.

For design studios aiming to cut their environmental footprint, waste is no longer just a workshop problem—it’s a reputational and strategic concern.

Foam and CNC: Subtractive Speed with Heavy Offcuts

CNC routing with foam or model board has been a mainstay for decades. It’s fast, relatively low-cost, and allows big volumes to be shaped quickly. However, its subtractive nature means that waste is built into the process.

How CNC Works in Model-Making

A block of foam or dense polyurethane board is fixed onto the CNC bed. A router bit cuts away material layer by layer until the desired contours and building forms are revealed. The process is guided by CAD/CAM software.

Where Waste Arises

1. Offcuts and dust: For every piece shaped, there are chips, dust, and unused sections of board. These offcuts are rarely recyclable, especially once adhesives or paints are applied.

2. Over-sized stock: To ensure coverage, makers often start with larger blocks than needed, leading to excess trimming.

3. Revisions and re-runs: Planning models often change mid-process. If a design update arrives after milling, an entire sheet may become redundant.

4. Packaging and transport: Foam panels are bulky and fragile. They need protective wrapping, increasing material use for delivery.

The Environmental Impact

CNC workshops require dust extraction systems running throughout the process. These consume additional energy and rely on filters that need replacement. While foam itself is lightweight, its production is energy-intensive, and its disposal is problematic due to contamination and low recyclability.

In short, CNC’s efficiency at shaping comes at the cost of significant physical waste.

Large-Format SLA: Additive Precision with Smart Material Use

Large-format SLA 3D printing flips the equation. Instead of carving away from a block, it builds up models layer by layer using liquid photopolymer resin cured by lasers or UV light.

How SLA Works

A build platform lowers into a vat of resin. A laser selectively cures areas layer by layer until the model is complete. With modern machines capable of printing volumes of 750 × 750 × 550 mm, entire site sections can be produced in one piece.

Where SLA Saves Waste

1. Material efficiency: Only the model’s geometry is printed. Hollowing and lightweight lattice infill reduce resin use without sacrificing strength.

2. Support optimization: Clever orientation and custom supports cut down on excess material.

3. Part consolidation: SLA can combine multiple details into one print, avoiding the need for separate milling and gluing stages.

4. Reusable components: Printed tiles, façades, or street blocks can be re-painted and repurposed across projects.

Post-Processing Waste

SLA isn’t perfectly clean. Supports must be clipped, and models are rinsed in solvents like IPA. Gloves, paper towels, and used resin add up. But compared with bags of foam offcuts and bins of dust, the scale of waste is far smaller and easier to manage.

Comparing Energy and Operational Impacts

Energy Demand

• CNC: Energy spikes while cutting. Dust extraction and ventilation systems run continuously. Large jobs may require several machine hours, but once cutting stops, so does consumption.

• SLA: Printers consume energy steadily throughout long builds, often overnight. Post-curing also uses UV ovens. However, batch printing multiple parts on one platform can improve efficiency.

Emissions and Health

• CNC workshops create fine dust particles that require protective equipment and extraction to safeguard staff health.

• SLA workshops avoid airborne particulates but involve handling liquid resins, which require gloves and proper disposal.

Both methods carry environmental and health considerations, but SLA eliminates the problem of airborne foam dust—an often-overlooked hazard.

Five Ways SLA Minimizes Waste in Practice

The sustainability advantage of SLA becomes clearer when you look at specific design strategies:

1. Hollowing and Shelling
   Solid building masses can be reduced to thin-walled shells (1.5–3 mm) with internal ribs. This slashes resin use while maintaining surface quality.

2. Lattice Infill
   Instead of solid cores, models can feature gyroid or honeycomb infill. They retain stiffness but require far less material.

3. Smart Orientation
   Tilting a building or terrain tile reduces support density, especially on detailed façades. This not only saves resin but also reduces sanding and finishing.

4. Parametric Level of Detail
   Near-field areas can carry high detail, while peripheral blocks use simplified geometry. Material is focused where it matters most for storytelling.

5. Reusable Modules
   Context buildings, streets, or terrain tiles can be re-skinned, painted, or swapped. Unlike foam offcuts, these parts don’t have to be discarded after one use.

Where Foam/CNC Still Has a Role

It’s not all or nothing. Foam and CNC still have valid applications in sustainable workflows.

• Large terrain forms: For low-detail landforms, a thin foam core milled quickly may be more efficient than printing vast, simple slopes.

• Speed on simple shapes: CNC can remove bulk quickly when deadlines are extremely tight.

• Hybrid builds: Many studios now combine methods—milling the terrain in foam, then adding SLA-printed buildings for detail. This balances speed, cost, and material efficiency.

The key is using CNC where it’s inherently low-waste and SLA where precision and reusability matter most.

Transport and Logistics: Hidden Waste Factors

Sustainability isn’t just about the workshop. How models move also affects their footprint.

• Foam/CNC models: Bulky, fragile panels require careful packing. Couriers often add layers of plastic wrap and foam sheets.

• SLA models: Resin prints, especially when hollowed, are lighter and can be designed to break down into modules. This reduces packaging needs and allows for easier transport by hand luggage or compact cases.

If you’re presenting internationally, these logistics can be the difference between a dozen protective crates and a single carry-on case.

Practical Steps for Architects to Reduce Waste

Whether you use SLA, CNC, or both, your design choices can directly influence sustainability outcomes.

1. Share clean geometry: Provide watertight CAD exports so the model shop can hollow or split parts efficiently.

2. Declare sustainability goals: Add waste reduction or reusability to your project brief. This gives vendors permission to optimize.

3. Prioritize local production: A nearby SLA workshop cuts courier miles and packaging waste.

4. Specify smart finishes: Request primer-ready surfaces and modular painting rather than heavy coatings.

5. Design for reuse: Incorporate magnets, dowels, or interchangeable tiles so elements can live on after one project.

The Bigger Picture: From Models to Practice Sustainability

Choosing SLA over CNC doesn’t make a practice sustainable overnight. But it’s part of a larger story: reducing hidden waste in everyday workflows. Clients and planning authorities increasingly ask about environmental impacts, and physical models are a visible symbol of your approach.

By demonstrating that your presentation materials are considered, efficient, and designed with circular use in mind, you reinforce your commitment to sustainability beyond the building design itself.

Conclusion: A Balanced, Low-Waste Future

If we measure strictly by waste, large-format SLA holds a clear advantage over foam/CNC. Additive manufacturing builds only what’s needed, and smart preparation can significantly reduce resin consumption. Foam/CNC, while quick and familiar, is inherently waste-heavy due to its subtractive nature.

That doesn’t mean CNC is obsolete. For terrain and speed, it still has a role. But the sustainability case increasingly points toward hybrid approaches: milling where it’s efficient, printing where precision and reusability matter, and combining both to minimize scrap.

Ultimately, reducing waste in site models isn’t about tools alone. It’s about mindset—designing with material efficiency in mind, choosing local production, and planning for reuse. For practices serious about sustainability, the message is clear: rethink not only the buildings you design but also the way you present them.

When working in 3D design environments like Revit, Rhino, or Blender, exporting your model in the right file format can significantly impact how it performs across software, whether for 3D printing, rendering, simulation, or BIM integration. The four most common file types—STL, OBJ, FBX, and STEP—serve different purposes, and choosing the wrong one can lead to data loss, bloated files, or failed imports. Here's a detailed, intent-driven comparison of when to use each—and how to ensure your exports are watertight.

STL (Stereolithography): Best for 3D Printing

Use STL when:

• You’re preparing a model for 3D printing.

• You need a lightweight, triangle-based mesh.

• Color and texture data are irrelevant.

Pros:

• Universally supported by 3D printers.

• Compact file size.

• Simple geometry = faster slicing.

Cons:

• No support for textures, colors, or materials.

• Only supports triangular meshes.

• Lacks scale metadata—units must be clarified manually.

Watertight Tip:
STL exports are notorious for producing non-manifold edges. Always run a mesh repair check in tools like Netfabb, Meshmixer, or Blender’s “3D Print Toolbox” before sending to print.

OBJ (Wavefront OBJ): Best for Mesh Editing & Rendering

Use OBJ when:

• You need to export models for rendering, game engines, or mesh editing.

• Preserving UV maps, textures, and normals is essential.

Pros:

• Retains vertex color, texture coordinates, and normals.

• Compatible with many 3D graphics and animation tools.

• Works well for high-fidelity visual projects.

Cons:

• Larger file size than STL.

• May not be supported natively by CAD or BIM software.

• Doesn’t handle parametric or hierarchy data well.

Watertight Tip:
While OBJ can carry detailed surface information, it still lacks parametric intelligence. Ensure “Merge Vertices” is enabled on export to prevent hidden cracks in joined surfaces.

FBX (Filmbox): Best for Animation & Game Engines

Use FBX when:

• Your model includes animation, rigging, or hierarchical scene data.

• You're importing/exporting between Blender, Unity, Unreal, or 3ds Max.

Pros:

• Supports full scene structure, including cameras, lights, animations.

• Preserves material and texture assignments.

• Industry standard for game development and VFX pipelines.

Cons:

• Proprietary format (Autodesk)—interoperability can be flaky.

• Can be unnecessarily complex for static models.

• Export/import inconsistencies across versions.

Watertight Tip:

FBX isn’t usually used for manufacturing, but if you're converting animated assets into a mesh, ensure modifiers are applied and the final geometry is closed before export.

STEP (Standard for the Exchange of Product Data): Best for CAD & BIM

Use STEP when:

• You’re exporting parametric models or BIM elements.

• You need to preserve solid geometry, assembly hierarchies, and accurate units.

Pros:

• Ideal for engineering workflows and manufacturing.

• Maintains NURBS surfaces and part metadata.

• Excellent compatibility with Revit, SolidWorks, Fusion 360, and more.

Cons:

• Not suitable for high-poly meshes or animation.

• File size can become large with complex assemblies.

• Limited support in artistic tools like Blender.

Watertight Tip:

STEP files are typically solid bodies by definition. However, export settings matter—use BREP export and confirm that faces form a closed shell in your CAD software.

Bonus: How to Check if a Model is “Watertight”

Regardless of file format, watertightness means that your model has:

• No open edges or holes.

• Proper face orientation (normals facing outward).

• All meshes merged and non-manifold edges removed.

Tools for watertight checks:

• Blender: Enable the “3D Print Toolbox” and use “Check All”.

• Netfabb: Offers automated mesh repair and gap detection.

• Rhino: Use “Check” or “ShowEdges” to find naked edges.

• Revit: Though not mesh-based, exporting solids with proper BREP options can ensure closed geometry.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between STL, OBJ, FBX, and STEP isn’t just about file compatibility—it’s about aligning your end-use intent with the strengths of each format. Whether you're exporting for fabrication, rendering, animation, or coordination, the correct format—and a watertight mesh—will save you hours of frustration.

Semantically aligned exports not only enhance downstream workflows but also future-proof your assets for interoperability and reuse. And in a world where digital assets flow between industries, exporting clean, watertight, and well-structured models is a skill worth mastering.

3D printing turns a digital idea into a real object — one very thin layer at a time. For architectural models and high‑detail parts, SLA (stereolithography) is often the best choice: it produces smooth surfaces and fine detail that make models look professional right out of the printer.

This guide is written for people who want to use a professional 3D printing service (not desktop filament machines). It explains the SLA workflow, the file types we accept, materials we commonly use, and what to expect for pricing and delivery.

1.  What exactly is 3D printing?

• Additive manufacturing: the machine builds parts by adding thin layers of material instead of cutting away.

• Digital to physical: printers follow a 3D file (your model) and reproduce it layer by layer.

• SLA in short: a liquid photopolymer resin is selectively cured (hardened) by a laser or LCD projector to form each layer — excellent for high resolution and smooth finishes.

2.  Five simple steps from idea to SLA part

This section focuses on the SLA workflow used by professional services.

1.  Create or export a model

• Architects commonly use Revit, Rhino, 3ds Max, Blender, or Fusion 360. Save/export as STL, OBJ, FBX, or STEP (FBX is widely used in architecture). Make sure geometry is watertight.

2.  Prepare the file (slicing & supports)

• We import your model into print‑prep software. For SLA that means orienting the part, adding supports where needed, and setting layer height and exposure parameters.

• The slicer converts the model into thin slices and generates the machine instructions (often a printer-specific file). Good orientation and support strategy reduce print time and surface blemishes.

3.  Machine preparation

• The SLA machine uses a resin vat and a build platform. We check the vat membrane, top up the chosen resin, and calibrate the build platform to ensure accurate layers and adhesion.

4.  Print — layer by layer

• A laser or masked LCD cures each cross‑section of the model. The platform lifts and the next layer is cured. SLA excels at fine detail and smooth faces compared with most other technologies.

5.  Post‑processing

• Typical SLA post‑process: wash in solvent (e.g., IPA alternatives where required), remove support structures, and final UV post‑cure to achieve full mechanical properties. After that we sand, paint, or assemble as needed for presentation models.

3.  Common materials we use (SLA-first)

• Standard photopolymer resin — great surface finish for display models and concept visuals.

• Engineering / Tough resins — higher impact resistance for working prototypes.

• High‑temperature resins — for parts exposed to heat or for thermoforming patterns.

• Castable (investment) resin — used when a part needs to be cast in metal afterward (jewellery, fixtures).

• Flexible resins — for soft components or tactile models.

• Ceramic‑filled / composite resins — for special textures or heavier feel.

• Metal (printed & finished) — stainless steel, titanium, or aluminium via metal additive manufacturing when a structural metal part is required.

Note: We do not rely on desktop filament materials like PLA or nylon for our SLA presentation work — we focus on resins and professional materials matched to each project's needs.

4.  Why choose a professional SLA printing service?

• High resolution & surface quality — fine features and smooth finishes right from the printer.

• Large format capability — single‑piece prints up to 750 × 750 × 650 mm on our large

• SLA systems (or multipart builds assembled and finished to look seamless).

• Expert file prep — we handle support placement, orientation, hollowing and wall‑thickness checks so prints succeed first time.

• Confidential handling & NDAs — professional workflows for client confidentiality.

• Full finishing & assembly — sanding, painting, and model assembly so your deliverable is presentation‑ready.

5.  Ready to print? How it works (quick)

1. Upload your STL, OBJ, FBX, or STEP file.

2. Choose material, desired finish, and turnaround.

3. Get a live quote and confirm the order.

4. We print, finish, and deliver or make available for collection.

6.  Quick FAQ (focused on SLA & architectural needs)

Q — Can I print large objects in one piece? Yes — our large SLA machines can print up to 750 × 750 × 650 mm in a single piece depending on geometry and selected resin. Larger objects can be printed in sections and seamlessly assembled and finished.

Q — How strong are SLA parts? Strength depends on the chosen resin and how the part is printed (orientation, layer height, wall thickness). Engineering resins and post‑cure greatly improve mechanical properties. For structural or load‑bearing parts, we usually recommend metal printing or SLS solutions depending on application.

Q — What file types do you accept? We accept STL, OBJ, FBX, and STEP. FBX is commonly used in architectural pipelines — include your original export so we can check materials and layers.

Q — Do you sign NDAs and protect confidential designs? Yes — we routinely handle confidential projects and can sign NDAs on request.

Q — What tolerances and finishes can you achieve? Typical SLA tolerances depend on part size and resin; we commonly achieve fine surface detail (sub‑0.1 mm features). We offer sanding, primer, paint, and assembly to presentation standards.

7.  Final thoughts

For architectural models and high‑fidelity presentation pieces, SLA printing plus professional finishing gives the best combination of detail, surface finish, and visual quality. If you’d like, send an FBX or STL and we’ll check the file free of charge and give a realistic quote and lead time.

Upload your model to get an instant quote →

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Modelmaking—whether for architecture, product design, film props, or tabletop gaming—was long dominated by subtractive processes: you started with a solid block and milled, routed, or laser-cut away everything that didn’t belong. Today, high-resolution stereolithography (SLA) printers—machines that cost hundreds of thousands of dollars and can fill an entire studio bay—have flipped that workflow on its head. They build models layer by micro-thin layer, curing liquid resin with ultraviolet light to produce objects that come off the platform smooth, intricate, and ready for paint.

This change is far more than a technical upgrade. By replacing cutters and chips with light and resin, SLA technology is altering the economics, creativity, and sustainability of modelmaking itself.

1. Subtractive Basics—The Old Guard

What is subtractive manufacturing?

CNC milling, routing, turning, water-jet cutting, and laser-cutting all fall under subtractive manufacturing: tools remove material from wood, foam, metal, or plastic blanks until the desired shape appears.

Why model-makers relied on it

• Accuracy: A five-axis mill can hold tolerances down to single-digit microns.

• Surface quality: Machined acrylic or aluminum leaves the tool nearly showroom-ready.

• Material strength: Machined metals shrug off handling and transport.

Yet subtractive methods bring big trade-offs: high material waste, long set-ups for fixturing and tool-paths, limited internal geometry, and steep costs for complex shapes.

2. Additive Manufacturing—Why SLA Leads

How SLA Works

Instead of carving away, SLA printers project or scan UV light into a vat of photopolymer resin. The resin solidifies where illuminated, forming a razor-thin layer; the build platform then rises, and the next layer is cured on top. Industrial SLA machines extend this principle to meter-scale envelopes while holding tolerances rivaling precision machining.

Why professional studios choose SLA over FDM

Large-Format SLA vs. Bench-Top FDM – Key Advantages

Surface Finish

• Large-Format SLA:

  • Glass-smooth finish right off the printer

  • Minimal sanding required

  • Ideal for architectural facades

• Bench-Top FDM:

  • Visible layer lines

  • Heavy post-processing and sanding needed

Detail Resolution

• Large-Format SLA:

  • Supports sub-100 µm features

  • Captures fine mullions, relief textures, engraved lettering

• Bench-Top FDM:

  • Limited to 200–400 µm feature size

  • Small details often blur or lose definition

Build Volume

• Large-Format SLA:

  • Build chambers up to 1500 mm long

  • Can print an entire 1:100 tower core in one go

• Bench-Top FDM:

  • Limited desktop footprint

  • Larger or taller parts must be split and glued

Material Range

• Large-Format SLA:

  • Compatible with rigid, clear, engineering-grade, high-temperature, and castable resins

• Bench-Top FDM:

  • Primarily uses commodity thermoplastics like PLA, PET-G, and ABS

Up-front Cost

• Large-Format SLA:

  • $200,000+ per machine

  • Justified by labor savings on machining and sanding

• Bench-Top FDM:

  • $1,000–$5,000 per machine

  • Suitable mainly for rough and basic study models

Studios pay the premium because SLA combines CNC-grade precision with “print-and-paint” convenience, eliminating the layer-line headaches that make FDM a non-starter for showcase architectural work.

High-resolution architectural model of a modern skyscraper produced using SLA 3D printing technology, showcasing intricate detail and precision in modelmaking.

3. Head-to-Head: SLA vs. Subtractive Machining

Geometry Freedom

• 5-Axis CNC / Laser:

  • Limited by cutter reach and tool diameter.

• Industrial SLA:

  • Virtually unlimited geometry freedom, including internal lattices and ducts.

Material Waste

• 5-Axis CNC / Laser:

  • 50–80% of stock material is wasted as chips or dust.

• Industrial SLA:

  • Less than 10% waste; only support structures are discarded.

Setup Time

• 5-Axis CNC / Laser:

  • Requires hours of CAM programming, tool changes, and fixturing.

• Industrial SLA:

  • Slicing a watertight STL file takes only minutes.

Cost per Unique Part

• 5-Axis CNC / Laser:

  • Cost increases significantly with design complexity.

• Industrial SLA:

  • Complexity has minimal to no effect on cost.

Finish Workflow

• 5-Axis CNC / Laser:

  • Requires deburring, polishing, and sometimes painting.

• Industrial SLA:

  • Just drain supports, lightly sand, and prime—ready for finishing quickly.

4. Real-World Impact on Model-making Workflows

Architectural Models

• City blocks & site massings: A 1 × 0.5 m SLA bed prints hollow shells overnight, saving kilograms of foam and days of sanding.

• Façade studies: Sub-100 µm layer height captures louvers and perforations that laser-cut acrylic would shatter.

Product Design & Prototyping

• Snap-fit electronics housings: Tough resins mimic ABS, letting teams test living hinges before ordering steel molds.

• Optically clear lenses: Transparent resin parts come off the printer ready for polish, something FDM simply cannot do.

Film Props & Miniatures

• Hero props: Armor plates and sci-fi blasters print in a single piece with embossed glyphs intact.

• Stop-motion puppets: Articulated joints emerge fully integrated, reducing assembly to a push-fit.

Tabletop Gaming & Dioramas

• Ultra-detailed figures: Layer lines vanish under primer; painters spend their time glazing, not sanding.

• Terrain tiles: Large-format SLA means full-board pieces without seams or glue-ups.

5. Limitations & Smart Hybrid Strategies

SLA is not a silver bullet:

• Resin cost & storage: Photopolymers cost more per kilogram than PLA and require sealed vats.

• Post-cure fragility: Parts must be UV-cured and can warp if under- or over-exposed.

• Large flat stock: CNC routers still beat printers for MDF baseboards or laser-cut glazing panes.

The smartest studios mix processes: mill a rigid MDF base on the router, print the intricate façade on SLA, laser-cut acrylic windows, and drop everything together like LEGO®. The result is crisp, stable, and labor-efficient.

6. Sustainability & Cost Calculus

• Material efficiency: With supports optimized, SLA tosses only a coffee-cup-sized pile of cured rafts instead of bagfuls of chips.

• Energy profile: A continuous-laser SLA vat draws less peak current than a 3 kW spindle, although build times can run long.

• Budget reality: While the printer itself is a capital investment, the per-part cost is often lower than machining once sanding and assembly hours are counted—even before you factor in wasted stock.

7. Practical Tips for Moving to SLA-First Workflows

1. Invest in clean CAD: Watertight solids save resin and heartache.

2. Tune supports, not just orientation: Less contact equals less sanding.

3. Maintain your resin: Filter regularly; fresh resin equals crisp edges.

4. Finish like a pro: Use fine sanding sponges, spray filler-primer, and an airbrush to achieve a marble-smooth surface.

5. Iterate fearlessly: Low waste plus high detail means you can print three façade variants overnight and pick the winner in the morning.

8. Conclusion—Why SLA Sets the New Standard

Subtractive machining ushered in the precision era of model-making. Large-format SLA is ushering in the freedom era—where geometry, customization, and overnight turnaround matter more than block rigidity or spindle torque. By curing only the resin you need, SLA reduces waste, slashes sanding time, and empowers designers to prototype without compromise. Hybrid workflows will always exist, but the center of gravity has shifted decisively: for architects chasing flawless facades, for industrial designers iterating housings, and for film artists crafting impossible props, large-format SLA is the new cornerstone of modern model-making. Embrace it, integrate it, and watch your creative possibilities grow layer by perfectly smooth layer.

In the realm of model making, a perfect sweet spot sits where the techniques of traditional model making, laser cutting, and 3D printing converge to create a beautiful model-making experience.

This integration not only enhances the speed of production but also significantly improves cost-effectiveness by reducing material waste and labor time. Furthermore, the precision offered by laser cutting ensures clean and intricate designs, while 3D printing allows for complex shapes and fine details that would be difficult to achieve through conventional methods.

Together, these technologies elevate the overall quality of the final product, resulting in models that exhibit exceptional detail and accuracy.

For years, those of us within the 3D printing UK community have believed that 3D printing could eventually replace traditional model making. However, we have come to understand that both practices are not only distinct but also highly complementary.

While traditional model making does not rely on 3D printing, the integration of this technology significantly enhances the overall workflow. 3D printing enables the rapid production of highly detailed components with intricate geometries and complex curves that would be difficult or impossible to achieve through conventional methods.

This capability allows model makers to focus on the artistic aspects of their craft, such as refining surface textures, applying paint finishes, and perfecting details by hand. With skilled artisans working alongside advanced printing technology, the final models benefit from both precision engineering and expert craftsmanship, resulting in an impressive combination of functionality and aesthetic appeal.

Here is an impressive example of a project we developed in collaboration with Kingel Ltd, a leading creative brand and campaign specialist, for Legrand, renowned experts in digital solutions and infrastructure development.

This project features intricate animation created using highly detailed laser technology stereolithography 3D printing. The physical structure was expertly handcrafted, incorporating high-quality materials, and was enhanced with a professional spray painting technique for a vibrant finish. Additionally, custom laser-cut glazing was incorporated to add depth and dimension, ensuring the final product was both visually striking and functional.

At Fixie, we specialise in 3D printing and understand model making, so we can combine our expertise to find the best possible method for your project. Our team understands the intricacies of breaking down models into optimal components, ensuring that each part is designed for maximum strength, detail, and ease of assembly.

Introduction

Architectural presentations demand models that are both accurate and attractive. Combining 3D printing and traditional model making meets this need by merging digital precision with human artistry. Modern additive manufacturing creates complex geometries that are difficult to craft by hand, while traditional modelmaking techniques bring warmth, texture and creative detailing to every piece

Why Combine 3D Printing and Traditional Model Making

Precision and Complex Details via 3D Printing

Stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing UK offers the sharpest details and smoothest surface finish of all 3D technologies. Using a UV laser to cure liquid resin, SLA captures features as fine as 25 microns, ideal for architectural models requiring crisp edges and thin walls. This resin printer workflow allows rapid prototyping of curved façades, intricate lattice structures and free-form shapes, all directly from STL files.

Creativity and Finish via Traditional Handcraft

Once printed, models benefit from hand finishing techniques such as sanding, spray painting and assembly of multiple parts. Skilled model makers apply model finishing techniques to smooth seams, add textures and enhance realism Traditional tools like scalpels, rulers and airbrushes bring a bespoke quality that machines alone cannot replicate

How Fixie 3D Implements the Combined Approach

Fixie 3D integrates 3D printing and traditional model making into a seamless service, tailored for London-based architects and designers.

Step 1: File Preparation and Consultation

Clients upload 3D model files (STL, OBJ or FBX) via our secure portal. Our technicians review the design, recommend the best 3D printing services and advise on resin types for durability or translucency

Step 2: SLA Printing at Scale

We print on large-format SLA machines (750 × 750 × 550 mm) capable of high-resolution output and multi-piece assemblies. This additive manufacturing stage captures complex details—from fine window mullions to organic façade elements—with exceptional accuracy

Step 3: Hand Assembly and Finishing

Our 3d modelmakers then remove support structures, sand surfaces, and apply spray paint to match project palettes. They also glue parts together and may incorporate CNC-cut wooden bases for a refined mixed-media effect.

Step 4: Quality Control and Delivery

Every model undergoes a final inspection for tolerances, paint consistency and structural stabilityWe then package the model securely for prompt delivery anywhere in the UK or internationally

Benefits for Architects and Designers

Faster Turnaround and Cost-Efficiency

By automating complex sections through 3D printing uk, we cut manual labour time and reduce errors, leading to faster prototype development and lower costs per unit. Architects can iterate designs quickly, testing form and scale without lengthy hand-crafting phases 

Enhanced Visual Impact

The combination of digital precision and expert hand finishing creates models that stand out in client presentations and competitions Crisp resin prints capture every curve, while bespoke paintwork and textures evoke material qualities such as brick, timber or metal Scalability and Flexibility

From small concept models to large format competition entries, our hybrid workflow adapts to any project size Clients benefit from modular assembly and the ability to update individual components without reprinting an entire model.

Conclusion

The best approach truly combines 3D printing and traditional model making. At Fixie 3D in London, our SLA technology delivers the finest details and complex curves, while our model makers apply their creativity to handcraft the rest. This synergy accelerates prototype development, enhances visual impact, and offers a cost-effective, scalable solution for architects and designers.

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The architectural industry has undergone significant changes in recent years, and one of the most transformative shifts has been the widespread adoption of 3D design software. In fact, 72% of architects use this software, reflecting how integral it has become to the design process. This shift not only makes the design process more efficient but also allows architects to visualise their ideas in more detail and realism than ever before. But the benefits of 3D design software go beyond just the architects themselves. Its growing use has led to a deeper understanding and adoption of 3D file formats by model makers, creating new opportunities and challenges for everyone involved in the architectural design and model-making process.

At Fixie 3D, based in London, we understand how critical it is for architects to create highly detailed and accurate models. The rise of 3D design software has revolutionised the way architects approach their work, enabling them to produce intricate models that were previously impossible or time-consuming to create. This technological leap has had a ripple effect, particularly in the world of model-making, where precision and scalability are paramount.

How 3D Design Software is Transforming Architecture

Before the advent of advanced 3D design software, architects relied heavily on traditional methods of drafting and physical models to communicate their designs. These methods, while effective, were often time-consuming and limited in terms of visual representation. Today, 3D design software such as AutoCAD, Rhino, and SketchUp enables architects to create digital representations of their designs that are not only more accurate but also allow for greater flexibility and iteration.

3D design programs provide architects with the tools to manipulate their models in real-time, testing various design elements and making adjustments as needed. This flexibility speeds up the design process and allows for the exploration of different ideas without the need for multiple iterations of physical models. Furthermore, these software tools offer advanced features like 3D rendering, which brings designs to life by adding textures, lighting, and shadows, giving architects a clearer picture of how their projects will look in the real world.

The Role of 3D File Formats in Model Making

As architects embrace 3D design software, they often need to collaborate with model makers to turn their digital designs into tangible, physical models. Here is where 3D file formats become crucial. The most common file formats used in architectural model making are STL, OBJ, and FBX, each offering different advantages depending on the needs of the project.

STL (Stereolithography) is one of the most widely used formats for 3D printing, as it defines the geometry of a 3D object without any colour or texture information. This format is perfect for producing detailed models that need to be printed using advanced 3D printing technologies, such as the ones we use at Fixie 3D. For more complex models that require textures or colours, OBJ and FBX file formats are preferred, as they support more detailed information about the surface of the object.

The adoption of 3D file formats by model makers has opened up a world of possibilities for architects. Where physical models once had to be painstakingly crafted by hand, 3D printing uk and other digital manufacturing methods now allow for quick, accurate, and highly detailed prototypes. This not only saves time and costs but also enables architects to refine their designs with greater ease.

A Closer Look at 3D Printing in Architecture

3D printing has become an indispensable tool for architects and model makers. It allows them to turn complex 3D printing models created with design software into physical prototypes with high precision. At Fixie 3D, we specialise in producing high-quality architectural models using 3D printing, offering services that include everything from creating client presentation models to design refinement and competition models.

By using 3D design software as the starting point, architects can create models that are ready for 3D printing service with minimal adjustments. The process of translating digital files into physical models is more seamless than ever, thanks to advancements in both design software and 3D printing technologies. The ability to quickly produce accurate models means architects can make design changes and test new ideas without the limitations of traditional model-making techniques.

The Future of 3D Design Software in Architecture

As 3D design software continues to evolve, its role in the architectural industry is only going to expand. The next frontier is the integration of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) into the design process, which will further enhance how architects visualise and interact with their creations. These technologies, combined with 3D design software, will provide architects with even more powerful tools to communicate their ideas and collaborate with clients, engineers, and other stakeholders.

For model makers, this means that staying up to date with the latest 3D file formats and printing technologies will be essential. As more architects turn to 3D design programs, the need for model makers to understand these digital files will only grow. It is important for model makers to embrace the shift towards digital manufacturing, as the demand for high-quality, detailed 3D printed models continues to rise.

Conclusion

The increased use of 3D design software among architects has undoubtedly transformed the architectural industry. It has not only made the design process more efficient and effective but has also led to greater collaboration with model makers. The adoption of 3D file formats, such as STL, OBJ, and FBX, has facilitated the creation of highly detailed and accurate models, and technologies like 3D printing have made it easier than ever to turn digital designs into physical objects. At Fixie 3D which is one of best companies in 3d printing, we are proud to be part of this exciting transformation, helping architects and model makers bring their visions to life with precision and craftsmanship.

By embracing 3D design software and its associated file formats, architects and model makers are unlocking new levels of creativity and efficiency. As this trend continues to grow, the possibilities for the future of architecture are truly limitless.

Model and design by Corstorphine + Wright

One of the most innovative contributions of 3D printing to the architectural sector is the ability to create precise context models directly from 3D aerial data.

By removing the area designated for the proposed building development, you essentially create a plug model. This approach enables the architect to design numerous iterations, providing the client with a wider range of options to choose from.

Once the client has selected their preferred design, the true advantage of the plug model becomes evident. As the development process advances, the architect is only required to reprint specific design iterations rather than the whole context of the project. This not only streamlines the workflow but also allows for quicker feedback and adjustments, as changes can be made efficiently without disrupting the entire design framework. This modular approach significantly enhances flexibility and reduces both time and resources during the development phase.

At Fixie 3D, we specialise in the meticulous file preparation of aerial 3D data, tailored specifically for architects' proposed developments. Our process ensures that all files are digitally airtight, with no gaps or errors, and that they are appropriately robust to withstand the rigors of 3D printing. Additionally, we meticulously verify that all components fit together snugly, guaranteeing optimal precision and structural integrity in the final 3d printing models.

Our technology of choice is high-end stereolithography, renowned for its exceptional smooth finish that creates an ideal surface for spray painting. This method allows for intricate designs with laser-precise details, ensuring each layer is accurately rendered for maximum clarity and precision. The result is a product that not only meets aesthetic standards but also exhibits superior quality.

Plug model of One of the most innovative contributions of 3D printing uk to the architectural sector is the ability to create precise context models directly from 3D aerial data.

By removing the area designated for the proposed building development, you essentially create a plug model. This approach enables the architect to design numerous iterations, providing the client with a wider range of options to choose from. Circus

In the world of architecture, physical models play a crucial role in visualising and communicating design ideas. Over the years, the tools used for architectural model making have evolved dramatically. Today, 3D printing has emerged as a powerful tool that has transformed the model-making process, much like laser cutters did in the past. At Fixie 3D in London, we see how these technologies bring designs to life in a way that is both efficient and remarkably detailed.

The Evolution of 3D Printers in Architectural Model Making

Traditional methods of creating architectural scale models involved a lot of manual work, from hand-cutting materials to painstaking assembly. With the advent of advanced 3D printing for architecture, the process has become much simpler and more precise. Modern 3D printers are now capable of producing high-quality design models with excellent detail, which are essential for architectural visualisation.

At Fixie 3D, our expertise in 3D printed architectural models means that we can deliver detailed architectural models that accurately represent every aspect of your design. Our laser stereolithography (SLA) 3D printers capture even the finest details, ensuring that every line and texture is reproduced with precision. This shift in technology has allowed for faster prototyping and more reliable custom model fabrication, giving architects the ability to iterate their designs quickly and efficiently.

How Laser Cutters Changed the Model Making Process

Before 3D printing took centre stage, laser cutters revolutionised the way model makers produced architectural models. Laser cutters enabled precision cutting of materials like wood, acrylic, and cardboard, which paved the way for creating architectural mock-ups and physical model making with improved accuracy. This technology made it easier to produce scale design models that were both detailed and aesthetically pleasing.

Laser cutting reduced the time required for building replicas of architectural designs. Model makers could now produce precise components that fit together seamlessly, which was a significant improvement over traditional hand-crafted methods. The integration of laser cutters in architectural model making also allowed for rapid prototyping architecture, enabling quick adjustments to design details and helping architects visualise changes in real time.

The Combined Benefits for Architects

Both 3D printing and laser cutting offer unique advantages that have redefined architectural model making. While laser cutters excel in creating crisp, flat components for assembly, 3D printers provide the capability to create complex, three-dimensional structures in a single process. This combination means that modern model making services can deliver both simplicity and complexity, meeting a wide range of design requirements.

For architects seeking high-quality design models, the benefits include:

• Enhanced Detail: Advanced SLA 3D printing ensures that every intricate detail is captured, making it easier for clients to understand the design.

• Speed and Efficiency: Both 3D printing for architecture and laser cutting have significantly reduced production time, enabling faster turnaround on projects.

• Customisation: With custom architectural models, architects have the flexibility to experiment with different materials and finishes, achieving a look that perfectly matches their vision.

• Precision: Whether through 3D printed architectural models or laser-cut components, the precision offered by these modern techniques results in architectural presentation models that are both robust and visually appealing.

A Closer Look at the Modern Process

The modern process of architectural model making now involves several integrated steps that make the creation of detailed architectural models more accessible and reliable:

1. Digital Design & File Optimisation:
   Architects start with CAD or BIM files that are optimised for both 3D printing and laser cutting. This step ensures that every aspect of the model is feasible for production. The file preparation process is crucial in ensuring that the final architectural mock-ups accurately reflect the design intent.

2. Rapid Prototyping:
   With 3D printing for architecture, rapid prototyping becomes a straightforward process. Architects can quickly produce prototype architecture models to test ideas, make modifications, and refine the design before committing to the final version.

3. Production & Finishing:
   Once the digital file is ready, advanced 3D printers and laser cutters come into play. The 3D printed architectural models are produced using high-quality materials that ensure both durability and visual appeal. For projects that require a more traditional touch, laser-cut components are assembled to create a cohesive model. Finishing touches, such as spray painting or manual assembly, help create a polished, professional presentation model.

4. Final Presentation:
   The end result is a detailed architectural model that is perfect for client presentations, competitions, and internal design reviews. The use of professional model making services guarantees that every project meets the high standards expected in the industry.

Fixie 3D: Leading the Way in Architectural Model Making

Based in London, Fixie 3D has been at the forefront of the architectural model making revolution. Our commitment to quality and innovation means that we are constantly updating our technology to meet the evolving needs of architects. Whether you require 3D printed architectural models for a quick client presentation or a full-scale model for a major competition, our team is ready to assist with expert guidance and reliable service.

We understand that architectural model making is not just about producing a physical replica of a design; it’s about capturing the essence of an idea and conveying it in a way that is both engaging and accurate. Our combination of advanced 3D printing and precise laser cutting technologies allows us to offer professional model making services that truly make a difference in the architectural design process.

Conclusion

The evolution of 3D printers has had a profound impact on architectural model making, much like the earlier transformation brought by laser cutters. These technological advancements have streamlined the process, enhanced precision, and opened up new creative possibilities for architects. At Fixie 3D, we harness these modern tools to deliver detailed, high-quality design models that help bring architectural visions to life.

By embracing these innovations, architects now have access to a faster, more accurate, and highly customisable method of creating architectural scale models. Whether you are a seasoned professional or a newcomer to the field, the integration of 3D printing and laser cutting into the model-making process offers a powerful solution for all your design needs.

3D printed models used to be expensive and technically challenging to prepare, but not anymore! With better methods incorporating traditional modelmaking and more know-how around digital file prep, 3D printing service for architects is now much more accessible, affordable, and of a better quality

Project by MossessianArchitects

Early design models are now becoming a trend! These models are usually no bigger than A3 size, so they're easy to carry around – you can even take them as hand luggage! 

This means it's super easy to show off your designs to clients and collaborators wherever you are. This whole speedy process has totally changed the design industry, making it faster to try out new ideas, communicate better, and get designs approved quicker.

Project by: Mossessian Architecture

Over 70% of architects are already using BIM technology, which allows for seamless integration with 3D printing.  Specialists can prepare your STL or FBX files for printing by thickening elements and closing open spaces, all while maintaining accuracy.

Utilise a high-resolution 3D printer (such as a stereolithography printer) to fabricate the resin model. This will ensure a smooth and detailed appearance. Subsequently, apply spray paint and additional details to enhance its realism.

Project by Mossessian Architecture / 3D printed Fixie

Mossossian Architecture was tasked with creating a small-scale model for an international competition under a tight deadline. The model needed to be compact enough to fit in a carry-on bag for air travel, making 3D printing the ideal solution for this project with its beautifully designed curves. Our team of 3d modelmaker added finishing touches, such as vegetation and perspex for the pools.

Welcome to a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the fascinating world of architectural model making, a cornerstone of our design process and a bridge between abstract ideas and concrete realities.

The architect Paul Treacy shares his experiences and reflections on the pivotal role that 3D architectural models have played throughout his career, starting from his formative years at Terry Farrell and Partners to the current collaborations with the innovative team at Fixie

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3D Design massing and Concept study for  Waterfront Place - Bristol  – Copyright – Paul Treacy ARB RIBA  – Design Director Trident

As an Architect I have the great privilege of working with some very talented people and some amazing architectural firms through my career. One of the firms I worked with early in my career was Terry Farrell and Partners. Every project and design process was supported with an in-house model making process and the inevitable constant of “get Martin Giddons in” as the firm engaged with external model makers at 3DD to provide 3D models of all projects. This I fondly remember as the ‘glory days’ of UK hand model making and as I worked with some inspired and passionate people, across the breadth of London, delivering beautifully crafted architectural hand made models.

What was intriguing at Farrells was that the model making process was intrinsically and culturally embedded with the design process. It became so symbiotic and creatively linked through the design process. Not the previous days of old approach of “let's generate a model at the end when its fully designed”, but instead it fed into the work that we did as architects; seeing the options and edits of conceptualised approaches in their final mass, as tangible and real as they could be before breaking ground on site.

3d printed floor plate of the Halo laboratory London – Copyright – Paul Treacy – Design Director SBA

“Physical models can transgress words, languages, still images and videos. Nothing beats something physical. A piece you can experience with multiple senses; to see, to touch and interact with in your very hands.”

Fortunate to be part of the design team who worked on the International competition for the Beijing Opera House,Terry Farrell and Partners were shortlisted to the final two teams bidding to secure this illustrious commission. I was asked to travel to Beijing China to support Sir Terry Farrell in the final stages where I witnessed a display that will stay with me forever.

Paul Andreu started off his tender by expertly presenting a hand crafted and polished metal Gem 2.0 of an architectural model exquisitely packed in beautifully crafted precision made wooden boxes with red ribbons. The concept design was revealed like an expensive metal egg, a symbolic gift to the jury. The model was revealed to a subtle chorus of “wows” in mandarin and the bid was, without question, secured in their minds before the architect had even had a chance to utter a word of his presentation. The rest, as they say, is history, the winning submission and the National Centre for the Performing Arts of Beijing we know today.

3d massing and façade studies for a Hotel in Cardiff, Wales – copyright Paul Treacy Architects

Physical models can transgress words, languages, still images and videos. Nothing beats something physical. A piece you can experience with multiple senses; to see, to touch and interact with in your very hands. This has been proven time and again where every project we present a model at a meeting those involved become more productive and interested in the outcome and the goal feels ever more real.

We as architects understand the power of an architectural model, not just as an end product but also as importantly a part of the design process to assist us in making our designs better by feeding this process back into the final delivered design concept.

Opportunely collaborating with Fixie for the last few years in this process, we enjoy the delivery of boxes from their workshop, reminiscent of the feeling years ago of those ‘gifts’ of Paul Andreu, they are a welcome break in our day to enthuse the team and aid to realise our ideas. Their production and design team work with ours to symbiotically produce exquisitely detailed 3D printed staged process models to test and validate our design. We never feel as though Fixie are just providing an end product, but instead are truly invested in our design process. They want to understand what we are seeking to evoke in our concept, like an invisible department within our own firm, part of the team driving to the best possible end project. Fixie has taken the time to understand our way of working, our data delivery processes, our design thinking and our ultimate vision with attention to the process and the paramount end products, the architectural models.

We hope to continue working with Fixie in the future, as they help us, and our clients, to design and deliver better buildings. And after all, that’s what this industry is truly all about.

Paul Treacy Architects London

We’re once again excited to update about the expansion of Fixie’s team. We have been joined by Catarina Castro, who is forming part of our growing software development team as a Junior Web Developer.

Catarina trained and worked as an architect but has made the shift to the tech side of the industry, convinced that technology can assist in a better design process. 

After completing a Master’s Degree in Architecture from the University of Lisbon, Catarina moved to London to pursue her career in architecture where she worked in the Residential sector for the next 5 years. 

Catarina's interest in technology and its impact on architecture grew significantly over these years, with a particular focus on improving architects' workflows and communication between architects and stakeholders.

In her last practice, Catarina developed and showcased designs utilising real-time / VR technology, which proved to be a genuinely successful experience for her private residential clients, improving understanding and reducing issues when compared with clients who only view designs in 2D.

She finished Le-Wagon, a six-month full-stack web development bootcamp during the darkest months of the pandemic, where she learned the foundations of web development. This experience gave her the tools and confidence to kick-start her career in web development. She is now joining the Team as a junior web developer, combining her passion for Architecture and technology. 

As she says:

Architecture is changing. There’s no way around it. It's great to see more companies embracing new technologies. However, these technologies need to be made available for everyone, from large, well-established companies to the small, one-man-band kind of practices. And most importantly, I want to be a part of leading the change and contributing to a better future for the architectural industry

Cat, as she kindly lets us anglophones call her, is coincidently an avid cat lover who spends most of her free time spoiling her beloved cats, Laffi and Amba. 

During her Bootcamp, her love for animals led her to develop a dummy website to facilitate pet adoption. With a custom matching system, where anyone interested in adopting can find and meet their perfect pet!

Great to have you onboard Cat! If you are interested in a position with Fixie or know of anybody who would like to work with us please pass on our details careers@fixie3d.com.

Excited to share that Phil Mayne has joined Fixie as a Senior Front End Developer. Phil is based in Devon and is working on Fixie’s 3D printing platform along with our collaborative research project with AMRC.

Coming from a design background, Phil finds his zen in Denmark and in particular in his spiritual home of Copenhagen.

Phil has worked in software engineering for the past 6 years, gaining experience in developing commercial products that offer a range of user-first solutions from digital ticketing to shift management scheduling. 

I’m aLWAYS KEEPING UP TO DATE WITH INDUSTRY PRACTICE SO WE CAN improve products AND bring the best experience to the user.

Phil’s Fine Art background has given him an understanding of the fundamentals of visual communication. His focus on user experience motivates him to design and build intuitive interfaces that let clients take control of their projects - with simple functionality and reliable systems.

He taught CAD to students at a furniture design atelier giving them the ability to take their 2D drawings and turn them into 3D models - essential for producing accurate renderings that can be delivered to specialists for production.

This is not Phil, at least we don’t think it is…but the projections are his work!

When he’s not tweaking code or tinkering with new features for Fixie, Phil fills his time with music, painting landscapes inspired by his Devon home and baking a bagel or two. His creative hobbies have also led him to organise InPrint - a pop-up gallery space highlighting the work of local artists and musicians as well as dabbling in 3D projection mapping to create visuals at music events.

Great to have you onboard Phil. If you are interested in a position with Fixie or know of anybody who would like to work with us please pass on our details careers@fixie3d.com.

Fixie and AMRC awarded £500,000 to help architects take control of immersive content creation

Press Release: Wednesday,  September 29th, 2021

Innovative 3D technology company Fixie and the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) have secured half a million pounds from Innovate UK to create accessible tools for architects to author their own immersive presentations.

London-based Fixie, which is focused on helping architects create engaging and immersive design communications, will work collaboratively with the AMRC to explore the emerging field of WebXR and its related ecosystem. The ultimate aim is to create practical tools for architects that don’t require any additional advanced skills.

The project will also focus on the interaction between physical 3D printed model production and the creation of overlaid augmented reality presentations. Currently, architects need to outsource this costly work, but by utilising the same originating data for the two formats, and putting ownership of the process into the hands of architects, the project will facilitate wider adoption and offer real benefit to the industry. 

The highly competitive SMART grant funding is made available for game-changing and commercially viable innovative and disruptive ideas that can significantly impact the UK economy.

“We started Fixie to give more architects the opportunity to practically benefit from emerging, innovative 3D technologies like 3D printing and augmented reality. Our aim is to continue to develop our platform so that architects don’t need any prior knowledge to author comprehensive and engaging interactive presentations that utilise both digital and physical assets,” said Ronan O’Boyle, one of the founders of Fixie.

Immersive presentations will be authored and delivered through Fixie’s existing online platform that currently allows architects to easily create physical models from their digital 3D designs (Sign up for beta access).

Michelle Greeff, Fixie CEO, said:

“We’re over the moon to have been chosen from a famously competitive field with an extremely low success rate. We’ve put a lot of time and effort into defining where these technologies are going within our sector and hope to be at the forefront of their implementation with the support of this funding and through working collaboratively with the AMRC.”

The co-funded project has allowed Fixie’s team to grow by three full-time staff, bringing software development capabilities in-house for the first time and helping to build a self-sustaining business into the future. 

“This grant award recognises Fixie’s successful work to date innovating  for clients in our sector including with the support of previous funding through Innovate UK’s Sustainable Innovation Fund in 2020.” 

The University of Sheffield AMRC is a network of world-leading research and innovation centres that work with manufacturing companies of all sizes around the globe. The organisation, part of the High-Value Manufacturing (HVM) Catapult,  transforms industrial and economic performance by making step changes in productivity, increasing competitiveness, developing new products and processes and training new talent and skills.

Head of Digital at the University of Sheffield AMRC, Professor Rab Scott, said: “More and more, we regard the true value in Industry 4.0 technologies as tools to remove or reduce non-value-added activity. The outputs of this project are just that.

“The development of this platform can remove much of the non-value-added manual intervention in the process meaning that the high-value technical skills can be used more effectively elsewhere in a company thus positively impacting on productivity and the bottom line.

“The application of 3D printing in the architectural sector allows a much more coherent understanding of the final outcome of a project, improving communications and managing expectations for all stakeholders.”

Contact:

Ronan O’Boyle, Co-founder

Email: ronan@fixie3d.com

Fixie is excited to share that Stuart Marshall joined us this month from the Royal College of Art where he was Technical Instructor of Additive Manufacturing.

Lee and Michelle have both worked with Stuart in the past and are delighted to have him join Fixie’s Team as a Senior 3D Print Technician. Stuart will be leading the expansion of our Technician team and supporting our immersive R&D projects.

Stuart has been working in the 3D print industry for the last 7 years across a diverse range of areas including architecture, product design and art. He’s worked both on commercial projects and within the educational sector. This experience has seen him get to know a lot of different technologies having the opportunity to print across a multitude of machines. He started his 3D printing journey in ColourJet powder printing (CJP), moving on to Stereolithography (SLA) printing and more recently he had been working with wax printers, Polyjet and FDM. 

(Full article: https://www.vam.ac.uk/articles/how-was-it-made-3d-scanning-and-printing)

Beyond 3D printing, he’s well-versed in the world of 3D scanning, having used laser and structured light scanners. This led him to be involved in scanning artefacts for the V&A Museum to display in their Cast Courts gallery.

Stuart comes from a product design background, which is where he developed his initial CAD knowledge. His skills have developed across the sector as he’s thrown himself into a wide range of digital processes experimenting with scanning, animation and VR. As he says:

“I’m always looking for new developments in digital modelling and how I can then incorporate these techniques into my professional and personal work.”

Outside of work he’s a keen maker and always has a project on the go. The fact that he’ll try his hand at anything comes through in the multitude of processes he explores from woodwork and whittling to building electronic circuits - anything that expands his knowledge of production. He also enjoys visiting art galleries, a good hike, and his true passion; video games!

Great to have you onboard Stuart. If you are interested in a position with Fixie or know of anybody who would like to work with us please pass on our details careers@fixie3d.com.

Maynooth University Students’ Union Building - Scott Tallon Walker Architects

It might be safe to say that architectural models are less of a mainstay of architects’ offices than they formerly were. These days, you’re more likely to trip over an electric scooter than a design model. 

That might come across as a strange thing to say coming from a model-making business, but when CGIs, animations, immersive experiences are now both possible inhouse (albeit to varying standards) and comparatively more affordable then it was almost inevitable that this would happen in a world that often focuses on efficiency over process. 

It’s also likely safe to say that 3D printing of architectural models has been an area dabbled in by many and for many of those; never dabbled in again. Deterred by poor experiences, poor results and high costs; 3D printing has also been relegated in some departments to  ‘’not quite good enough/not quite there yet”.

Fixie has slowly been working to debunk this myth and the former truth. The end product that navigates these criticisms is a hybrid model: one that is enabled by 3D printing and finished where required or desired, by hand and traditional methods. When combined with the improved working methods, 3D/BIM-3Dprint workflows these models offer consistency, detail, affordable complexity and hopefully a degree of surprise. 

Early concept render of Maynooth University’s Student Union Complex by Scott Tallon Walker Architects.

Of course, you’d probably be more likely to believe us if you saw an example of this for yourself. The following case study focuses on Maynooth’s Student Union Building (MSU) a project by one of Ireland’s largest and most well-established design practices: Scott Tallon Walker Architects. The brief for the model will not seem that unusual to most - an affordable model that demonstrated some of the key finer details of the facade and the shared covered space. 

Imported 3D information, cleaned up and prepared for printing.

An A3 model @1:100 was chosen as a scale and size that was both affordable and could reflect the necessary detail, whilst also being handy to carry to meetings and set in the centre of the board room table. A clean, monochrome white finish was also determined as the best route to ensure that the model focused on space and detail rather than attempting to represent materiality (which could have also added to time and cost). 

The digital model for MSU was supplied initially from Revit (in an FBX format, so the first step is to remove additional detail that wasn’t necessary for 3D printing. Each 3D printing project is started by breaking down the model into manageable elements, working back from the finish desired. It’s important to know what 3D printing is capable of and to push the boundaries to ensure the most efficient use of resources for your client/end-user. 

The focus of the model was the glazed pergola structure that connects the two buildings with a covered external space. 

We knew that the perforated panels would not achieve anywhere close to the desired effect if 3D Printed at this scale (the holes being 0.1mm in diameter). It was therefore decided to have this detail brass etched. 

The pergola, although delicate, was achievable through 3D printing. However, for the glazed canopy, we reverted to traditional methods again - laser cutting and etching clear acrylic to be placed onto the structure of the 3D printed part. By breaking down the model into its constituent parts it allowed all of these elements to be brought together after being 3D printed, post-processed and spray finished.

The result is an affordable model that achieves a high level of detail through the best combination of available methods and most importantly clearly communicates key design intentions.

Model Cost: £1,850 + VAT

Turn Around: 10 working days (including model assessment, file preparation, 3D printing, brass etching, spray finishing). 

To see a version of this model being created in real-time watch our Fixie overview created for the AJ100 awards 2020. 

3D Printed Modular Construction Units for - Corstorphine Wright O'Brien Architects

When architecture and 3D printing are mentioned in the same sentence, the tendency is to be drawn to the widely shared examples of stand-alone, 3D printed houses. In this context, 3D Printing is frequently listed as a potential solution to worldwide housing shortages: its advantages allowing for quick and affordable alternatives to traditional construction methods. No doubt this work is necessary and will eventually assist in combating major housing crises. However, for developed, high-density urban centres 3D printing at this scale is still a long way off being feasible with any real, wide-scale impact.

3D Printing a House

Modular and prefabricated construction is already a viable solution to many of our housing needs and it’s actively being implemented by architects and construction companies. We were therefore excited to be able to use what 3D printing currently does best (prototyping for those who were asking, or ‘model making’ in architect’s language) to help communicate the benefits of modular construction by preparing and printing a selection of Corstorphine Wright + O’Brien’s Modular Apartment Units.

Corstorphine Wright O’Brien is leading by example in the design and implementation of modular building in Ireland. CWO had four different modular units that they wanted to be completed with removable roofs in order to show the internal layouts.  The models would be used in varying combinations during presentations. As material finishes of the units weren’t settled we suggested a simple white sprayed finish on robust, resin printed models. A few challenges emerged from pursuing this option, but the end result led to clean, smooth and detailed parts. 

C+W O’Brien’s scaled 3D Printed Modular Units being used in a presentation. Source

Our resin printing process produces semi-transparent parts. To spray all of these parts and get an even finish requires uninhibited access to all of the model. The furniture in these modular units would have blocked the ability to spray evenly, so unlike other printing processes where you might print everything at once, resin printing often requires some ‘model design’ - thinking on how to split up the model, so that it can be post-processed (support removed) and spray finished before being reassembled. 

A completed build of clear resin printed architectural model parts. The support structure that will be removed can also be seen. The build volume of this machine is 800mm x 800mm x 600mm (RPS NEO 800)

The digital models supplied were of a very high quality (of course!), however, our job at Fixie is to make sure elements survive 3D printing and post-processing, a perfect architectural model (and we’ve seen our fair share of less than perfect files!) is very different to a 3D printable model. This process involves thickening certain features e.g. door and window frames. These kinds of details add to the finished model so there is an element of creative licence to accentuate these beyond their actual size. Model making is after all a representative medium, no matter how much 3D printing allows you to get as close as possible to the real thing. 

Furthermore, we have to make each unit one single shell for 3D printing. Often the model, no matter how well thought through will contain many separate meshes for walls, cupboards, doors etc. It’s our job to merge these seamlessly using our file fixing software. Understanding the client’s design objectives is always a guiding consideration in this process.

The furniture was separated from the rest of the model and ‘booleaned’ from it. This process allows for small location points to be present on the model to accommodate glueing during reassembly.

Windows were removed to be clear voids to allow more aspects into the interior of the model (these could also be glazed in clear acrylic).

The fixed digital models (each part is a single shell)

The most technical issue was how to drain uncured resin from the 3D printed parts - all 3D printed parts are hollowed where possible to reduce the material usage. However, this can mean that uncured material is trapped within the model. A simple way to allow this to drain away is to create small holes which can then be plugged or filled before being sprayed to conceal this manual effort. Normally we would hollow parts/buildings from the underside so that you wouldn’t see it at all in the final model, due to the fact that the pieces would be fixed to a base. Or alternatively, the parts are printed solid because they are of a delicate form or size. 

Roof parts and furniture pieces after printing

With these issues addressed, we 3D printed (Overnight), let the uncured resin drain away, removed any supports, washed the parts in isopropanol to remove any surface coatings of resin, cured in our UV oven to make the pieces stronger, bead blasted the parts to give them a perfect finish for spraying (the next morning), filled the resin drain holes, spray finished the parts and then glued furniture back in place (that afternoon). 

Unit cost for production in this manner (File preparation, 3D printing, spray finishing and assembly):  c.£325/€375 each (+VAT and Delivery). 

These models could also be produced in full colour directly in the printing process using our colour jet printing (gypsum powder) and multijet fusion (nylon powder) technologies. Please get in touch to understand more about these options.

Fixie secured aN Innovate UK grant to deliver automation that makes 3D printing an accessible and affordable tool for all architects.

Press Release: Monday, November 23, 2020.

Fixie, an innovative 3D printing firm, has secured £100,000 in funding from Innovate UK to build an automated online platform that will drastically cut the time it takes for architects to create physical models from their digital 3D designs.

Fixie’s platform simplifies the architectural 3D printing process by eliminating the need for arduous remodelling which can currently take days to convert an architects’ design to a 3D printable version. The company, which focuses on the architectural sector, will be supported by the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) on the project.

“We started Fixie to give more architects the opportunity to benefit from rapid prototyping. Our platform means that you don’t need to have any prior knowledge to prepare your design for 3D printing - opening up the technology to those without the niche skills, time and resources.” Ronan O’Boyle, one of the founders said.

Innovate UK, as part of UK Research and Innovation, is investing up to £191 million to fund single and collaborative research and development projects as part of the Sustainable Innovation Fund over the next two years. The aim of these competitions is to help all sectors of the UK rebuild after the effects of COVID-19.

The Sustainable Innovation Fund is funding 1,103 projects, 1189 UK businesses and totalling over £130 million in support across the UK.

Michelle Greeff, Fixie CEO said:

“This grant award recognises the potential social and economic impact of Fixie’s platform at a time when architects are rethinking how cities are used and designed. It’s an endorsement of our vision and the commitment to providing architects with tools to make practical and wider use of emerging technologies.”

The University of Sheffield AMRC is a network of world-leading research and innovation centres that work with manufacturing companies of all sizes around the globe. The organisation, part of the High Value Manufacturing (HVM) Catapult,  transforms industrial and economic performance by making step changes in productivity, increasing competitiveness, developing new products and processes and training new talent and skills.

Head of Digital at the University of Sheffield AMRC, Professor Rab Scott, said: “This is a hugely important project which is at the heart of what the AMRC has built its reputation on: transforming industry through collaborative research.

“Through the application of digital tools, architects will be able to produce digital 3D designs in hours rather than days. The development of this vital platform, increasing speed and cutting costs for the supply chain, will both enhance the sustainability of how businesses deliver for their clients and add value across the construction and built environment sector.”

Innovate UK Executive Chair Dr Ian Campbell said:

“In these difficult times we have seen the best of British business innovation. The pandemic is not just a health emergency but one that impacts society and the economy.”

“Fixie, along with every initiative Innovate UK has supported through this fund, is an important step forward in driving sustainable economic development. Each one is also helping to realise the ambitions of hard-working people.”

About Fixie (www.fixie3d.com)

Fixie – architects’ 3D printing assistant – helps architects communicate their projects through 3D printing.

About AMRC (www.amrc.co.uk)

The University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) is a world-class centre for research into advanced manufacturing technologies used in the aerospace, automotive, medical and other high-value manufacturing sectors.

The AMRC has a global reputation for helping companies overcome manufacturing problems and is a model for collaborative research involving universities, academics and industry worldwide.

Combining state of the art technologies with the AMRC’s expertise in design and prototyping, machining, casting, welding, additive manufacturing, composites, robotics and automation, digital manufacturing and structural testing, has created a manufacturing resource far beyond anything previously available in the UK.

The AMRC is a member of the High Value Manufacturing (HVM) Catapult, a consortium of leading manufacturing and process research centres, backed by the UK’s innovation agency, Innovate UK.

About Innovate UK (www.innovateuk.ukri.org)

Innovate UK drives productivity and economic growth by supporting businesses to develop and realise the potential of new ideas. 

Innovate UK connects businesses to the partners, customers and investors that can help them turn ideas into commercially successful products and services and business growth, funding business and research collaborations to accelerate innovation and drive business investment into R&D. 

Support is available to businesses across all economic sectors, value chains and UK regions. Innovate UK is part of UK Research and Innovation. 

Contact:

Ronan O’Boyle, Co-founder

Email: ronan@fixie3d.com

Phone: +447427380639

Fixie Website: 

www.fixie3d.com

Fixie Twitter:

https://twitter.com/Fixie3D

Fixie LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/fixie-3d

Fixie Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/fixie3d/

Fixie’s #3DPHousingStudy explores at least one influential UK housing project from each decade starting with the City of London’s 1950’s development at Golden Lane Estate (location) designed by Chamberlin, Powell and Bon. 

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Great Arthur’s House, Golden Lane Estate (c) Steve Cadman

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3D Printed Model of Great Arthur’s House by Fixie.

We are focusing on the elements that made these projects special as well as how 3D printing can be used so effectively to bring those details to life. These projects have been precedents for the housing designs of generations since and yet there has been next to no investigation of them through emerging technologies like 3D printing. Would they have been designed differently if seen through the eyes of these technologies and materials? Can we understand the spaces or the approaches in a new light through the lens of 3D Printing? 

Each project will be at 1:100 scale 3D printed in resin and spray finished white to maintain a consistency for ease of comparison between projects. We’re excited about what will emerge.

Great Arthur’s House, Roof Plan View of 3D printed Model.

Housing Study #1 is focused on the communal and sculptural resident’s space at the top of Golden Lane Estate’s highest block; a 16 storey residential tower called Great Arthur House. As was a feature in post-war residential tower blocks, generous and integrated spaces like this were offered to residents of this new archetype. The rooftop’s most striking feature is its ‘Hat’ a curved and cantilevering concrete form that disguises a water storage tank. It is elegantly folded on top of the tower, like a piece of origami in direct contrast to the rectilinear tower that supports it.

Some beautiful details of this like the above, curated by Wayne Head, can be seen here: http://theeverydaypress.net/details-vol-2-barbican-and-golden-lane.

As well as the functional purpose it was hiding it also offered a gift to residents: a 17-storey 360 degree view of the Capital City. Nowadays, especially in a City like London, a space or experience like this comes with a lot of prestige, often a price tag and is generally only accessible to the few. In contrast, San Francisco, a city that is well known for its wealth divide, ensured spaces like these were actually of practical benefit to the general public. The 1985 Privately Owned Public Open Spaces (POPOS) legislation obliges new developments to provide 1sq. ft. of public space for every 50 sq. ft. of office space but perhaps more importantly in 2012 the law was updated to ensure the public knew where and how to access these spaces; so they’re now clearly sign posted. In an increasingly more vertical city like London, accessibility of these spaces becomes more of a necessity (balanced against security concerns and of course more recently social distancing concerns). 

The seperated digital Model parts prior to 3D printing.

When creating the 3D print of this model our 3D file fixers separated the digital information into 3 separate parts (The hat, the pergola and the tower block) for improving the post processing and finishing stages. Of course, 3D printing can print all in one piece (depending on print volume size) but often it makes sense to deconstruct a model like this in order to achieve the best results. 

Resin printing has an ability to bring out crisp and fine detail. This was especially useful when printing the expressive curved form of the tower’s ‘Hat’ and the delicate pergola. It almost felt like such a generous sculptural form deserved to be printed in such a clean and smooth format. Often 3D printing is the go-to tool for truly complex forms because it becomes very difficult to make them by hand or comprehend them through visuals/renders. However, it’s interesting to note that although it’s an unusual form, it is clearly of it’s time - almost an extrusion of a 2D drawing or section rather than a computer generated/informed design. If Chamberlin Powell & Bon had the tools available to us now it makes you wonder if they would have pushed this form further. This may very well have been to its detriment: the simplicity in many ways makes the form easier to digest.

Great Arthur’s Tower was sensitively re-clad in a project by John Robertson Architects. “The new facade improves the performance of the original windows with a double glazed and thermally insulated prefabricated panel system. The project involved extensive consultation with the City Planners, 20th Century Society and Leaseholders and tenants and received an RIBA National Award in 2019.”

Situated just North of London’s iconic Barbican Estate, Golden Lane Estate has, unlike many that were designed, built and demolished in the meantime, has continued to accommodate community life and doing this in the heart of the UK’s biggest city where Real Estate is at a premium. This is probably no surprise considering that the residents were so actively and overtly considered in the original design. 

Contributed by
Ronan O’Boyle,
Co-Founder, Fixie.