Modular Gyroid Stacking Structure

This modular stacking structure highlights the beautiful curves and symmetries of the gyroid surface. The assembly instructions below might sound a bit confusing, but it becomes quite intuitive once you start working with it.

The profiles of the columns are referenced from the hexagonal matric created by slicing a gyroid surface along a diagonal plane.

There are two types of horizontal surfaces that make up the center part of each column. One surface has tighter curves, the other is flatter. These surfaces alternate moving along the column. The flatter surface is referred to here as “A”, the surface with tighter curves is referred to as “B.” When assembling columns, you will therefore want to alternate surfaces of type “A” and “B”.

To complicate matters more, half of the surfaces on the six neighbouring columns are offset down by one-third, the other half are offset up by one-third. These three types of columns are referred to here as “High, “Mid,” and “Low”.

These terms are used in naming the files.

“Base Low A” is the lowest column, its uppermost surface is type “A”. To add height, you will first want to add a “Single B,” then a “Single A” and so on.

“Base Mid B” is one-third higher than “Base Low A,” and its uppermost surface is type “B”. To add height, you will first want to add a “Single A,” then a “Single B” and so on.

“Base High A” is one-third higher than “Base Mid B, and its uppermost surface is type “A”. To add height, you will first want to add a “Single B,” then a “Single A” and so on.

For the purpose of function, all the single surfaces and the uppermost surface of each column has been sliced with a 70mm diameter hole. This fits a small ramekin (2.4oz 70mL) or one of the other customized bowls and saucers. The file names for the bowls and saucers indicate whether they fit the “A” or “B” surfaces. The chopstick holder fits surface “A” only.

Because of the hexagonal profile of each column, there are many “footprints” that can be created by joining different columns together. You can of course simply use one column and build it up to the height you want.

The pictures above show the three “Low,” Mid” and “High” columns together in a triangular configuration.

Another option would be to have a “High” column in the middle, surrounded on six sides by alternating “Mid” and “Low” columns for a total of seven columns.

Modules are held together vertically with notches. Simply add a dab of glue to make it permanent.