Image
![Scale hexagon block model sits between full size models](/sites/default/files/styles/full/public/2023-05/ARCH_AndrewLarsen_File%238.jpg?itok=cekGN0mj)
Andrew Larsen
WAST3D POTENTIAL
Waste is obsolete. Standard building industry practices are harmful to the environment. Non-traditional construction methods were examined as alternatives. Circular design logic was the guiding principle in material choice. Additive manufacturing is a proven modern method for building construction. Research on 3D printing case studies revealed that recycled plastic is a proven material and readily available. Removing plastic waste from the environment and sequestering it in architectural components gives the material a new purpose. The component of focus was a building block for a wall assembly. Inspiration was taken from the hexagonal Basalt rock formations found near volcanic fault lines. The final design included interlocking hexagonal block pieces linked and stacked together to form a wall. A full scale assembly would use filament made from recycled plastic to print all necessary blocks.
Image
![Small 3D printed extrusions translate from hexagons to triangles and other shapes.](/sites/default/files/styles/full/public/2023-05/ARCH_AndrewLarsen_File%231.jpg?itok=qm-sqXDM)
Shape translation experiment 01
3D Printed PLA
2023
Small 3D printed extrusions translate from hexagons to triangles and other shapes.
Image
![Small 3D printed extrusions translate from hexagons to other shapes and back to hexagons.](/sites/default/files/styles/full/public/2023-05/ARCH_AndrewLarsen_File%232.jpg?itok=lTjVecZB)
Shape translation experiment 02
3D Printed PLA
2023
Small 3D printed extrusions translate from hexagons to other shapes and back to hexagons.
Image
![3D printed rectilinear block is voided via 2 spheres to create a skeletal frame.](/sites/default/files/styles/full/public/2023-05/ARCH_AndrewLarsen_File%233.jpg?itok=YBF9pKSN)
Block units formed by voided spheres
3D Printed PLA
2"x2"x4"
2023
3D printed rectilinear block is voided via 2 spheres to create a skeletal frame.
Image
![Three hexagon based shapes are displayed independently.](/sites/default/files/styles/full/public/2023-05/ARCH_AndrewLarsen_File%234.jpg?itok=jBOQyvKI)
Building block units for end of wall assembly 01
3D Printed PLA
2"across x 1" deep
2023
Three hexagon based shapes are displayed independently.
Image
![Three hexagon based shapes interlock so as to allow a wooden towel to pass through.](/sites/default/files/styles/full/public/2023-05/ARCH_AndrewLarsen_File%235.jpg?itok=quZxWqE6)
Building block units for end of wall assembly 02
3D Printed PLA
2"across x 1" deep
2023
Three hexagon based shapes interlock so as to allow a wooden towel to pass through.
Image
![Three hexagon based shapes are pushed together hiding the wooden dowel.](/sites/default/files/styles/full/public/2023-05/ARCH_AndrewLarsen_File%236.jpg?itok=GOrwAdGO)
Building block units for end of wall assembly 03
3D Printed PLA
2" across x 1" deep
2023
Three hexagon based shapes are pushed together hiding the wooden dowel.
Image
![Hexagon based building blocks made from translucent filament are stacked as a scale wall assembly.](/sites/default/files/styles/full/public/2023-05/ARCH_AndrewLarsen_File%237.jpg?itok=eY5-gybf)
Variations on building block attributes
3D Printed PLA
2" across x 1" deep
2023
Hexagon based building blocks made from translucent filament are stacked as a scale wall assembly.
Image
![Scale hexagon block model sits between full size models](/sites/default/files/styles/full/public/2023-05/ARCH_AndrewLarsen_File%238.jpg?itok=cekGN0mj)
Scale model sits between full size models
3D Printed PLA
8" across x 4" deep
2023
Scale hexagon block model sits between full size models.
Image
![3D printer creates gyroid infill pattern on the full scale block.](/sites/default/files/styles/full/public/2023-05/ARCH_AndrewLarsen_File%239.jpg?itok=kr4pa4EG)
Printing gyroid infill
3D Printed PLA
8" across x 4" deep
2023
3D printer creates gyroid infill pattern on the full scale block.
Image
![Two full size 3D printed hexagon blocks are partially interlocked.](/sites/default/files/styles/full/public/2023-05/ARCH_AndrewLarsen_File%2310.jpg?itok=eBdOrtFU)
Interlocked full scale blocks
3D Printed PLA
8" across x 4" deep
2023
Two full size 3D printed hexagon blocks are partially interlocked.