At tsw|architects, we enjoy pushing our creative boundaries -our latest experiment being the construction of a detailed acrylic model. After testing various types of acrylic and adhesives, we discovered that a clear 2mm acrylic sheet combined with UV-cured resin delivered the cleanest and most precise results.
The model represents the Sri Lanka Ports Authority at a 1:150 scale. Each floor was built by stacking three layers of acrylic, creating a total thickness of 6mm, supported by 6mm acrylic rods used as columns. During the initial testing phase, we experimented with plexiglass, but it was quickly ruled out due to scorched edges caused by the laser cutting process. We also tried a range of adhesives -including UHU, PVA glue, super glue, and even acetone-melt bonding -but UV resin curing ultimately proved to be the most seamless and reliable method.
Though the process was meticulous (and not without its share of UV resin burns and super-glue mishaps), the final outcome made every challenge worthwhile.
