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Flexi-Monolitic-Block

Flexi-Monolitic-Block

Building Components

Digital Stonecraft for Architectural Heritage

Flexi-Monolithic-Block is a parametric GDL object developed for ARCHICAD to support heritage reconstruction projects. Originally created for the complex 3D reconstruction of the Osireion in Abydos, it offers precise control over individual building blocks. This makes it a valuable tool for architects, archaeologists, and historians working on the accurate and efficient digital reconstruction of ancient structures.

Key Features & Functionality:

1. Core Block Definition & Customization (Main Settings):

  • Flexible Dimensions: Define Height, Length, and Depth with absolute precision, allowing for blocks of any size required for a historically accurate model.

  • Angled Geometry: Go beyond simple rectangles with Slant Angle Front and Slant Angle Right parameters, essential for replicating nuanced ancient masonry techniques or accommodating specific site conditions.

  • Material & Finish: Easily select Building Material (e.g., "Sandstone" as shown) and control Joint appearance with adjustable Width Gap and Width Bevel, ensuring visual fidelity to the original construction.

  • Joint Control: Independently enable or disable Joints on Top, Bottom, Left, Right, Front, and Back faces, providing seamless integration with adjacent elements or for depicting continuous surfaces.

2. Integrated Architectural Elements (Door Niches):

  • Doorway Ready Blocks: Transform a standard block into a sophisticated architectural element. Define Niche Bottom, Side Niche Left, Side Niche Right with adjustable Width, Height, and Depth to seamlessly incorporate door jambs or other recesses.

  • Roof Undercuts: Replicate specific structural or decorative cuts at the top of an opening with the Roof Undercut parameters (length, height), as vividly demonstrated in the doorway reconstruction.

  • Further Customization: Add Bore Holes or complex Corner Niches with L-Shape for even more granular detail.

3 Advanced Back & Face Sculpting (Back Niches):

  • Hidden Details: Create Niche Back Left and Niche Back Right for purposes such as reducing block weight, accommodating internal structural elements, or concealing utility conduits within the digital model.

  • Cushioned Faces: Implement subtle but historically significant Cushion effects on Front, Back, Right, or Left faces with adjustable Bulge height. This feature accurately reflects the slight convex curvature sometimes found in ancient masonry, enhancing the realism of your reconstructions.

4. Seamless Integration with Existing Conditions (In Situ Cuts):

  • Archaeological Precision: A critical feature for heritage work, In Situ Cuts allow you to parametrically "cut" any side of the block (Top, Bottom, Left, Right, Front, Back) to conform precisely to irregular existing ground, bedrock, or damaged elements of an archaeological site. This ensures that new structural elements in the reconstruction integrate perfectly with the "found" environment.

Why use the Flexi-Monolithic-Block for Your Project?

  • Accuracy: Enables the precise digital reconstruction of ancient structures with a high level of detail.

  • Efficiency: Reduces manual modeling effort in complex masonry, allowing more focus on analysis and interpretation.

  • Parametric flexibility: Intuitive parameter controls make it easy to adapt to new archaeological findings or design adjustments.

  • ARCHICAD integration: Works seamlessly within established BIM workflows.

  • Proven in practice: Applied successfully in the detailed 3D reconstruction of the Osireion at Abydos, confirming its suitability for large-scale projects.

 

The Flexi-Monolithic-Block provides a reliable and adaptable solution for digital heritage reconstruction and research-based modeling.

  • The version available here is the development version, which was developed step by step during practical application. This version is available for download free of charge.
    A pro version with extended functionality, an optimised user interface and extensive movable snap points is currently in development and is expected to be available for purchase in the Object Shop from January 2026.

  • Current Version: 0.06 from 15.10.24

  • Author: Joachim Sühlo

  • History: Release Notes

  • Handbuch deutsch: noch nicht verfügbar

  • Manual English: not yet available

See it in Action:

  • Image 1: Doorway - Witness the detailed integration of blocks forming a complex doorway with precise undercuts and jointing.

  • Osirieion BIMx Model: - Explore how thousands of these highly customizable blocks are used to construct the intricate multi-level chambers and walls of the Osireion, demonstrating its scalability and versatility in large-scale archaeological modeling.

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