Huacal Wall Panels

The Huacal Wall Panels are a modular organization system made from wooden fruit crate panels and custom 3D-printed accessories. Designed by NABA students in collaboration with FARO del Bienestar in Cancún, they respond to young people’s desire for personal storage, creative expression, and a stronger connection to their space.

FARO del Bienestar is a cultural initiative in Quintana Roo, Mexico that supports the Fábrica de Artes y Oficios (FARO) - a vibrant community arts and learning center that fosters creativity, expands access to culture, and revitalizes public spaces, especially in neighborhoods facing social challenges.

Using accessible materials like reclaimed huacales and locally 3D-printed parts, the panels are simple to build, easy to arrange, and rooted in sustainability. Whether hung individually or in groups, they create a playful surface for hanging, storing, or displaying everyday items. Printed hooks and future add-ons make them endlessly adaptable to changing needs and styles.

This project blends traditional materials with digital tools to empower young makers to design spaces that reflect who they are and how they live.

Huacal Panels (Woodwork)

Supplies

1. Pencil
2. Ruler or Measuring Tape
3. Band Saw (or suitable wood saw)
4. Sandpaper (P100 and P320)

Materials

1. Wood Glue (€9)
2. 1× Pine Panel 6x1200x600mm (€18.90)
3. 1× Corner Block 20×20×1000mm (€3.50)

3D Printing

Supplies

1. 3D Printer (PLA or PETG filament)

Materials

1. 1x 3D Printed Circular Hook (8.32 g filament each)
2. 1x 3D Printed J-Hook (6.6 g filament each)

Step-By-Step Video:

For a better understanding and more visual representation of the process, watch this video, in addition to following the instructions below.

You can repurpose side panels from old huacales or build your own from scratch.

If you’re repurposing old huacales, carefully remove the side panels in good condition to use as wall panels.

If building from scratch, choose whether you want short or long panels, and decide how many you want to make based on your space and needs. For each panel, you’ll need three slats (either short or long) and two vertical supports (corner blocks).

Using a measuring tape and pencil, mark your cuts on the wood panels (Choose short/long or both):

1. 3× Short Slats: 300 × 70 mm (per panel)
2. 3× Long Slats: 450 × 70 mm (per panel)
3. 2× Vertical Supports (corner blocks): 250 mm each (per panel)

Carefully cut all pieces with a band saw or hand saw, then sand the edges using coarse (P100) and fine (P320) sandpaper. Smooth edges make assembly easier and give a cleaner finish.

Lay two vertical supports flat, spaced to match your chosen slat length (300 mm for short panels or 450 mm for long panels).

Place one slat across the supports, align the edges, and mark its position on each support. From that mark, measure 30 mm down and repeat twice more to mark space for a total of three slats.

Apply wood glue to the ends of each slat and press firmly onto the vertical supports at the marked positions. Let the panel dry under light pressure for about 15 minutes.

Once dry, your panel is ready to mount on the wall and use with 3D-printed hooks or other accessories.

Download the STL files for the two types of hooks designed for the wall panels:

1. Circular Hook: Rounded shape, ideal for keys, necklaces, or small items
2. J-Hook: Classic “J” shape, perfect for bags, hats, or cables

Print the parts using PLA or PETG filament. Each hook is small and prints quickly with standard settings. As a reference:

1. Circular Hook: approx. 38 minutes
2. J-Hook: approx. 1 hour and 20 minutes

To install a hook, choose a spot between the slats of your wall panel. Hold the hook horizontally and slide its rectangular tab between the slats. Then rotate it about 90° until it locks securely in place. The pressure from the wood keeps the hook stable, no screws or tools needed.

To move or remove a hook, simply twist it back and slide it out. This system lets you easily customize your layout whenever you want.

Once all parts are assembled and the hooks are in place, your Huacal Wall Panels are ready to use! This modular system combines local materials and simple digital fabrication to create flexible, personal storage. You can customise it by choosing your panel sizes, experimenting with different wood finishes, or printing hooks in your favorite colors. Feel free to design your own accessories to make the panels uniquely yours and perfectly suited to your space and style.