Prototal brings art and technology together with Industrial 3D Printing.
As part of the Workshops of Architecture exhibition series, the Nairobi-based architecture bureau Cave_bureau explored humanity’s origins and our impact on nature, taking inspiration from the volcanic caves of Kenya. To bring this concept to life, the studio partnered with Prototal’s facility in Denmark to create a highly detailed 3D-printed model for one of the world’s leading modern art museums, the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art in Denmark.
The Challenge
The goal was to create a miniature 3D model at a 1:50 scale that accurately represented the complex structure of the Kenyan volcanic caves. Challenges included:
- Translating 3D scans of natural caves into a print-ready CAD model
- Printing a model larger than the industrial 3D printer’s build chamber
- Preserving the structural integrity and fine details across multiple printed sections
- Ensuring the model reflected the cultural and geological accuracy of the caves
Prototal’s Solution
Prototal combined technical expertise and advanced industrial 3D printing to overcome these challenges:
- CAD File Preparation – The 3D scans were processed into a print-ready CAD file, optimised for scale and precision.
- Sectioned Printing – Because the model exceeded the printer’s build volume, the design was divided into multiple sections, then printed using high-detail Industrial 3D Printing.
- Assembly and Finishing – Printed sections were carefully glued and finished, ensuring a seamless appearance with attention to structural stability and aesthetic quality.
“By combining technical expertise, creative design, and a careful approach to cultural integrity, 3D printing can provide a solution that offers museum visitors extraordinary experiences.”
– Flemming Gravesen, Head of Sales Denmark & Business Developer, Prototal
Results & Impact
The 3D-printed Kenyan cave model:
- Accurately represents the intricate geometry and textures of the volcanic caves
- Was successfully exhibited at the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, showcasing the intersection of art, design, and technology
- Demonstrates how Industrial 3D Printing can realise complex, museum-quality models that would be impossible with traditional methods
This project highlights Prototal’s ability to deliver high-precision, Industrial 3D Printing solutions for creative and scientific applications:
- Transforming 3D scans into functional, high-detail prints
- Printing large or complex structures in multiple sections with seamless assembly
- Supporting museums, designers, and architects in creating immersive experiences for visitors.
