Practice Profile - SkB Architects

Practice Name and Location: SkB Architects

Website: www.skbarchitects.com/

Contribution by: Daniel Vella, Associate

Practice Statement: Model making at SKB Architects fulfils dual roles as an investigative aid and a persuasive presentation medium. The use of physical models allows us to critique and investigate the complexities of our designs, while also effectively communicating our creative ideas and securing project bids and clients.

We embrace a versatile approach to model-making, adopting a wide array of techniques and materials, each carefully chosen to best serve the unique requirements of a given project, client, or design element. For instance, we have previously used 3D printing to create custom lighting fixtures at varying scales, allowing us to better investigate the function and aesthetics of the fixture in ways that digital modelling did not allow. Iterative refinement and continuous re-printing lead us to a sound design that was professionally fabricated for the project.

More recently, we crafted a full presentation model for a proposed conversion of a historic building in Austin, Texas, employing a combination of laser cutting, 3D printing, and hand-crafting techniques. Each material was thoughtfully selected so that it aligned with the design intentions of a specific building element; for example, a brass wire mesh was arched and moulded in the model’s entrance hallway to denote a custom art piece, whereas concave curves were 3D printed to denote a sculptural media screen in the design.

That said, there is no predetermined rule of thumb governing our approach to model-making. Instead, we embrace a flexible mindset based on tailoring our model-making techniques to the unique demands of each project. Through the thoughtful integration of physical models, we elevate the rigor of our designs – be it a building or a lighting fixture – and instil confidence in our clients and ourselves that our design solutions are both appropriate and elevational to the overall architectural experience.

In-house professional modelmakers: None

Machines/equipment/workspace available for modelmaking activity:
Band saw, Table saw, 3D Printer, Scalpels, Scaled trees / entourage, Various adhesives, Various wood types/acrylic, Hand drills
Model making room with 1x large workbench, numerous cutting matts, etc.
Basement housing larger equipment listed above

Materials/processes used:

3D Prints are modelled in Sketchup and printed on a MakerBot
3D print material of various colours
Bass wood
Plywood
Card
Foam board
Wire
Wire mesh of various styles
Acrylic sheets & blocks

How Modelmaking activities take place within the practice:

Our Architects make our models in-house.