We met with Gianluca Tabellini, Senior Digital Specialist at Mule Studio in London, to learn more about his usage of Speckle. This case study focuses on object-oriented 3D modelling for timber fabrication and, more specifically, the use of Speckle to enable timber design with StructureCraft and Mule Studio.

Introducing Mule Studio

Mule Studio, is a multi-disciplinary design studio working across a huge range of scales, from microphones to some of the world’s largest timber structures. They recently worked on a standout project involving a unique timber structure for a restaurant in China, Jiaozi Financial Street Restaurant.

A New Approach to Timber Design with Speckle

Tasked with the 3D modeling and geometry optimisation of a complex roof structure, Gianluca turned to Speckle for help with his workflow. Integrating Speckle with Grasshopper and Rhino allowed him to manage and version complex models efficiently, transforming how he approached and executed his designs.

“Speckle became my go-to tool for structuring models and versioning data, making the entire process smoother and more manageable.” - Gianluca, Senior Digital Specialist at Mule Studio

The detailed timber structures required a robust solution to manage data flow and ensure precision. Key challenges include:

• Managing complex 3D models and geometry optimisation.
• Ensuring seamless data transfer and version control across multiple platforms.
• Facilitating collaboration with partners who were less experienced with digital tools.

Speckle emerged as the ideal solution to these challenges. Gianluca applied Speckle's object-based approach within Grasshopper, which allowed him to break down large models into smaller, more manageable parts. This capability to version control and easily revert to previous states significantly enhanced the efficiency and reliability of the modeling processes.

“With Speckle, I could easily transfer data between different parts of my workflow, ensuring accuracy and consistency. It was a game-changer for our projects,” says Gianluca.

Speckle's Role in the Transformation

Design software such as Rhino, Grasshopper, and Speckle were used extensively in the modeling and planning of the restaurant’s roof following the Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) methodology.

Gianluca decomposed the 3D modeling process in different stages. To avoid having a single model updated every time, Gianluca split one model into four consequential models, each containing reliable information to be used accordingly. The final result? A fully detailed fabrication model that is used to export fabrication drawings.

Speckle's unique features were pivotal in improving how Mule Studio approached this project:

• Object-Based Versioning: Speckle's ability to version control objects within Grasshopper allowed Gianluca to work on discrete parts of the model, significantly reducing the complexity of the workflow.
• Data Management and Transfer: Speckle facilitated smooth data transfers between different definitions, making it easier to tweak and update specific components without affecting the entire model.
• Confidence in Execution: By allowing selective downloading and modification of objects, Speckle gave Gianluca the confidence to experiment and innovate, knowing that he could always revert to a previous version if needed.

“Speckle's versioning control and ability to break workflows into small, manageable chunks made it an indispensable tool for our project.” - Gianluca

Results and Next Steps

The implementation of Speckle streamlined Mule Studio's workflow and shaped a culture of innovation and efficiency. Gianluca noted that the quick response from the Speckle team in addressing bugs and enhancing features further solidified his confidence in the tool.

This free-form timber restaurant was named one of Prix Versailles’s World's Most Beautiful Restaurants. Located in the Jiaozi Financial Street district of Chengdu, the structure features a single-layer timber grid shell roof that arches dramatically over the space.

The single-layer gridshell is truly doubly-curved and created from locally-fabricated glulam billets - creating one of the most beautiful venues of its type in the world! - StructureCraft

Looking ahead, Mule Studio is integrating Speckle in a number of ways on its current projects. For example, Gianluca is working on a web application that allows the client to converge all scattered 3D models they receive into one consistent data format and then run lightning strike analysis in real time in a web browser.

“Speckle's flexibility and innovative features have opened up new possibilities for our future projects, and we’re excited to continue exploring its potential.” - Gianluca

Conclusion

Mule Studio's collaboration with StructureCraft and the integration of Speckle into their workflow is an inspiring case study highlighting a workflow that can be repeated across different projects. We can’t wait to see what Gianluca and the Mule team create next!

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