NOVA | 3D-Printing

Now with the final form of NOVA realized through renders, it is time to begin the construction phase. To test out the newly established structural layout, different scaled prototypes were created. Two 1:1 3D-printed node prototypes were made to explore the different connection strategies for fabric, piping, and hardware connections, as this is crucial component for the structure's success.

The first node prototype was printed at 3mm thickness and was used with the piping script to match the material.

The second node prototype was printed at 6mm thick, and was used to explore the connection between the bolts

and the fabric. The third node was also 6mm thick, and was more specifically for testing the threading performance

between the bolt and screw holes embedded in the node. 

Upon testing, the nodes were completed and in working condition. The process for printing and sandblasting all

final nodes has taken 3 weeks for the 30 prints.

To test with the scaled nodes, wood dowels and electrical conduit from the DAS shop were used. This was to gauge the structural integrity of the structure with the scaled configuration nodes

Render vs Reality for the node and conduit connections.

NOVA | Final Drawings, Model, and Renders

Final elevations and detail drawings were made for the established NOVA Winter Station design.

Footing & Node Detail Drawings

With the issues ironed out from the scaled model iterations, a final 1:6 scaled model has now been built. Constructed of wooden dowels, MDF, and nodes printed in the same filament as their final counterparts.

Final Model Perspective

Final Model Elevation

Before construction and assembly gets underway. A final render was made to create a point of reference for the remainder of the Winter Station project. Pictured below are the renders for day and night time. These will be compared to the final imagery collected in February of 2024.

Final Render (Daytime)

Final Render (Nighttime)