PUBLIC FACILITIES
CASE STUDY
Pioneering Hygienic Protection of Three-Nil Buildings in Sham Shui Po with IML’s IMU+ 3DP Handle Covers
Background
Consisting of approximately 3,000 buildings throughout HK, “Three-Nil Buildings” is a term for multiple-occupancy buildings that do not have any owner’s corporation, resident’s association or property management company. As such, these buildings are subject to severe neglect of maintenance and safety risks. To address this, HK’s government launched a pilot scheme with local NGOs in June 2022 to implement managerial bodies for numerous three-nil buildings across 9 districts.
Sham Shui Po’s resident’s association effectively pioneered the use of IMU+ 3D-printed Antiviral Technology in a public setting, commissioning IML’s product to be installed on 150+ three-nil buildings. This collaboration marked the first public proof-of-concept for 3D printing (3DP) applications, gaining endorsement of the Honorable John Lee Ka-Chiu. This initiative set a significant reference point for IML’s 3DP services, showcasing their potential and commitment.
The Challenge
The absence of a formal building management body in three-nil buildings severely compromises residents' safety and health. Without coordinated maintenance, critical issues like structural decay, faulty wiring, and broken sanitation systems go unaddressed. Not to mention, as Hong Kong was also dealing with the fifth wave of COVID-19, the city’s most contagious outbreak to date, living in such conditions only further exacerbates chances of contracting respiratory illnesses and infectious diseases.
This combination of predicaments highlighted the urgent need for effective solutions to minimise infection, yet tenants could not rely on major renovations to fix and replace outdated entrances, conventional solutions such as plastic covers or janitorial services as they are typically handled by managerial bodies. Effectively left to fend for themselves without the implemented scheme, these buildings needed fast and simple solutions to tackle the immediate hygiene issues.
Our Solution
IML’s 3DP service is the one-stop solution to the Three-Nil Building’s hygienic protection problems. IMU+, an advanced antimicrobial agent, is capable of neutralizing over 99% of surface-level pathogens within 20 minutes of exposure, including the COVID-19 virus. Through producing custom- designed handle covers, IML’s products are tailored to fit each building’s unique gate and entrance, effectively maximising hygienic safety while minimizing costs.
Unlike traditional filament (FDM) printing, IML employs liquid crystal display (LCD) printing, which allows for a smooth, non-porous surface finish that is both pleasant to the touch and inhibits buildup of killed pathogens on its surface. This ensures that the handle covers not only deliver superior antimicrobial performance but also do not require additional maintenance.
The Benefits
Commissioning of IML’s 3DP services have successfully demonstrated the efficacy of IMU+ 3D-printed antimicrobial products as a fast initial response solution to long term development projects. Key benefits includes:
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Enhanced Infection Control: The IMU+ handle covers actively reduced surface-level pathogens, providing an added layer of protection for tenants during critical times.
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Cost-Effectiveness: The custom 3DP handle covers were designed to be durable and long-lasting, reducing the need for frequent maintenance and lowering overall maintenance costs.
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Proof of Concept: District adoption and endorsement of IML’s products validated the practicality and effectiveness of IMU+ technology, encouraging other buildings and districts to explore similar implementations.
Conclusion
Introducing IML’s Antimicrobial 3DP services in conjunction with the government’s district development scheme marked a significant step forward in cost effective initial solutions to public hygiene protection, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The successful installations in Sham Shui Po, and endorsement by government officials, not only demonstrates the potential of IMU+ 3D printing products in public health applications but also sets a precedent for future collaborations. By bridging the gap left by absent management bodies, IML’s solution represents a critical step toward safeguarding residents’ health and inspiring smarter urban resilience in Hong Kong’s aging buildings.