Make It Fold: Curved Architectural Model (Handmade With Paper + Balsa)

by samantali079 in Design > Architecture

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Make It Fold: Curved Architectural Model (Handmade With Paper + Balsa)

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This project shows how to make a curved architectural model entirely by folding paper. Step by step, you’ll learn how to score, bend, and laminate paper for smooth volumes, and combine it with balsa and acetate to simulate a “wood and glass” façade. It’s a hands-on project where folding is the key design technique.

Supplies

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White foam board or thick cardboard (for base and walls)

Transparent acetate (for glass-like cylinders)

Wooden dowels (for columns)

Thin wood strips or bendable cardboard (for circulation paths/ramps)

Cutter / precision knife

Metal ruler

White glue or hot glue gun

Masking tape (for temporary fixing)

Human scale figures (optional)

Tip: paint white can make more professional the scale figures

Prepare the Base

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Use the laser cutter to cut the different layers of the terrain according to the topography. Then, stack and glue the layers together to build the terrain model. You can also create it by hand I painted mine to emphasize the curves and give more visual impact to the sloping surface.

💡 Tip: draw the curves with pencil first to make clean cuts or you can use the laser machine as I did it

Add Columns and Circulation

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  1. Place vertical wooden dowels to represent structural supports.
  2. Attach thin flexible wood strips or cardboard around the volumes to create curved ramps and circulation paths.
  3. Fix them with glue at the contact points with columns and walls.

💡 Tip: If using wood strips, lightly dampen them so they can bend smoothly without breaking. Alternatively, you can use cardboard and laser-cut the structure layout to create a sturdy frame that helps support the columns and walls.

Extra tip When making the walls, score the paper lightly with a knife before folding this helps the paper bend cleanly and keeps the edges sharp without tearing.

Glass Volumes

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Use acetate sheets to create the wall volumes. The transparent material resembles glass and is flexible, making it easy to bend and shape smoothly.

Details and Scale

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  1. Place small human figures to give a sense of scale.
  2. Add vegetation (optional) with small pieces of sponge or textured paper.
  3. Add conceptual furniture (tables, seats) with small cardboard circles.
  4. Mark entrances and connections between volumes.

The Organic Roof

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Finishing and Presentation

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  1. Clean glue marks and trim any excess material.
  2. Paint or cover visible edges in white for a uniform finish.
  3. Take photos from different angles: pedestrian view, aerial view, and full perspective.