Trinexus

The aim of this project was to design and develop a interlocking system made from a single repeating component. Every part had to be identical, while allowing the system to be assembled into different three-dimensional structures. A key requirement was that the construction had to be completely self-supporting. All connections had to be created using only the designed components, without glue, screws, or any additional fastening elements. The final system also needed to express a clear design concept and have its own visual identity, where the appearance supported the functionality of the construction. The components were designed digitally in Rhino and manufactured from MDF using a laser cutter. Throughout the project, the design was developed through sketching, digital modelling, prototyping, and testing in order to create a functional and visually coherent system.

Idea

From the beginning of the project, I knew that I wanted to create a closed three-dimensional structure, such as a sphere or a crystal. This idea became the starting point for the entire design process and influenced every decision I made.

At first, I explored different geometric shapes to find the most suitable foundation for the system. I considered both a diamond shape and a triangle, creating several sketches to compare their potential. After experimenting with both options, I realized that the triangle was the best choice. Its geometry offered greater flexibility and made it possible to build stable, complex forms from a single repeating component.

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Prototype

Once I had chosen the triangle, I began thinking about its proportions and the placement of the connection slots. To better understand whether the system would work in practice, how it would look, and what dimensions would be most suitable, I created a cardboard prototype. I cut out several pieces and tested different ways of connecting them. The prototype showed that the shape worked well for my idea and confirmed that I could create the type of closed structure I had imagined. After this , I continued developing the design in Rhino.

Rhino

This project was my first experience working with Rhino. At the beginning, the software seemed quite difficult and overwhelming, so I spent a lot of time following tutorials and learning how its tools and functions worked. Once I became familiar with the program, the workflow became much easier and more intuitive.

Then I created the basic geometry of my component. Each side of the triangular element is 5 cm long. The connection slots are 1 cm long and 3 mm wide. The slot width was chosen to match the thickness of the MDF material while also taking the laser kerf into account.