New updates on the Wikihouse!
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Kitchen Design Plugin for Sketchup, Sketchup training.
Wikihouse Update: A real micro house
It's been a while since we've done an update. The WikiShed model is just about as done. The next step is to cut it full scale. If you want to get the latest files you can head over to GitHub to download them. Just click the "Download Zip" to the right to get all the files. For now though, we've moved on to designing real houses. In Massachusetts we're allowed to build 200 square foot or under structures that can be used as an accessory building without engineering certification. So things like shops, artist studios, etc are fair game. You can't use it as a residence however. We also have an opportunity to build one of these for someone to live in in Vermont. Vermont requires no codes or approvals.
In line with the micro home movement, the Vermont house will be small as well, around 200 square feet. To that end we've set about designing a modular home that could be repurposed for many different uses: (And build really fast)
Vermont_Microhouse3_-_SketchUp_Pro
This model isn't done yet, but you can get an idea of the shape and style. The colors are sheer panels that we are going to use called Zip System.
The structure is designed to be repurposed for many different uses. The modules (pictured below) can be swapped in and out depending on the options you're looking for. Each module is about 40 square feet in it's footprint so we can abide by Mass building code, and we can easily make it larger where code allows:
Vermont_Microhouse3_-_SketchUp_Pro
The structure is an exercise in symmetry. The temptation in designing a CNC cut structure like this is to solve problems by making a unique part to solve that problem. While that is viable because a CNC machine cuts pretty fast, in the field it can be hard to sort a pile of parts that are different, but look the same. To that end, if you explore the model you'll see that so many of the parts are symmetrical. That means that they can be installed upside down, backwards or forwards and they will work. As much as possible panels are identical. In fact, the difference of a "window" module to a solid module is only 3 parts.
Vermont_Microhouse3_-_SketchUp_Pro
This model is a work in progress, but feel free to take a look. You can download it here.
Vermont Micros-house download
If you want to follow along with the updates, the entire model is on GitHub
Wikihsed parts reporting
The Wikished is nearly ready for cutting. The model is ready, and I have been experimenting with cutting tolerances. So far the tolerances outlined from Wikihouse seem to work very well.
You can see the current shed model here:
I have come up with an interesting way to catalog all of the parts as well. Using Sketchup's built in "Generate Report" I am able to export a parts list of the entire model. The stock report is full of extra information that makes it really hard to interpret the information, take a look:
Pretty ugly right? Well, using a pivot table, I am not able to isolate only the parts that are needed to cut the shed. They are gathered together and counted. This is great for doing QA as you're cutting, and making sure you have the exact right amount of parts:
You can see the name of every part if you right click on them in Sketchup and click "Entity Info"
In the coming weeks I am going to post an epic video on how to get his model directly to CNC without having to fuss around with manually pulling the model apart. Stay tuned for that.
Wikished on 100k Garages!
I've been closing in on getting the Wikished cut. I now have all of the files nearly 100% designed. All that is left is the tedious task of "Dog Boning" the slots, and adding a clearance offset to all of the slots so that the parts can slide in easily in the field. I am considering using a couple of Handibots and cutting all of the parts out using the large material jig like this, although I am wondering if it will take a really long time to cut out 50 sheets.
I have posted the files 100k Garages. If you haven't heard of 100k Garages, it's a community of makers and designers. The aim of this community is to connect people that need stuff made with people that can make that stuff.
If you can make stuff you can browse the bid board and see what projects are available.
Perhaps you'd be interested in cutting about 50 sheets of ply for me to build this shed?
Wikihouse test joints
So in my ongoing effort to get at least the Wikished built, and eventually my entire Wikihouse I've been asked to create some test joints for an engineer to look at. So the other day I went into the shop, fired up AC/DC at a rather loud volume level, and cut this out: (Everyone knows that Wikihouse assembly goes better with rock)
This was a good way to evaluate the viability of cutting this out on a Handibot and to test out some of my clearances.
