The Hex Kite is a box kite inspired by bees and the honeycomb pattern.
Timelapse video illustrating how the kite is put togehter.
The Process
Sketches explored various combinations of form and layout. Once the final form of three honeycombs leading to one was decided, a toothpick model was created using toothpicks and then brought into Solidworks. This allowed us to understand how to design the joints. Three types of joints were then designed using Solidworks and 3-D printed. Wooden dowels were trimmed and assembled to create the structure and connected with the 3-D printed joints. Finally, the structure was wrapped with a ripstop nylon pattern that had previously been outlined, cut, screen-printed and sewn together.
Early sketches explored box kite forms
Toothpick and hot glue prototypes explored how it could come together
A CAD model of the frame was used to calculate the angles of the dowels to create the joints
3-D printed structure joints
Sewing pattern
Wax was applied to smooth out the appearance of the 3D printed joints.
Assembled top view
All parts
Group collaboration:
Lauryn Gabriele
Oliver Heimbach
Amélie Houle
Brianna McGregor
Diren Naidoo
Piers Waldie
Tia Wiseman
Oliver Heimbach
Amélie Houle
Brianna McGregor
Diren Naidoo
Piers Waldie
Tia Wiseman