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

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.

Fixie have launched a model making survey in their efforts to understand the appetite for models in the contemporary design process. Central to their study is where 3D printing fits within current processes.

SURVEY

The 2-minute survey is open to anybody within the industry who has an opinion! We’re sure that makes a few of you. Fixie are offering a draw for £5,000 of 3D printing services and separately a Chisel and Mouse Model to those who submit and wish to enter our draw.

We’ll be sharing our insights gained with the industry once all results are assessed.

If you have any further comments that aren’t covered by the survey and would like to share your thoughts please get in touch directly.

Thank you for your contributions.

Michelle Greeff and Fixie Team.