EXCEEDING  

EXPECTATIONS

The process of the Hopkins Project.

Looking For Something New

Finding the right design was tougher than originally thought. To stay within the limits of CIP would take too much time and up the cost of the project significantly. On top of that each design that was presented to the resident wasn’t quite right. There needed to be a balance between realistic goals and what the owner of the house wanted in his backyard. The surmounting task was looking more and more challenging.

It was late at night. The fall sky bore down on the hot Arizona night. And there, seated in the darkness of the office was Matt Thomas. A longtime architect, Matt was tasked with transforming a desert landscape into a unique resting place for a famous residential house. There were many asks in the project. It had to be one of a kind and hold a unique flow. The perfect backyard escape.

Matt was stumped. He had a vision that no one was able to execute. Not long after, Matt was enjoying his afternoon when something caught his eye. It was a 3D printing company… intriguing. A 3DPG printing company… that might be able to execute the vision… Matt connected with the company ASAP. Matt was about to discover the power and the beauty of 3DPG and the benefits of the company - Pikus.

LESS WEIGHT

FOR EASIER

INSTALLATION

Pikus and Matt started working together right away. The design wasn’t quite finalized, but after seeing what Pikus can do Matt had an idea. He brought out a napkin and began sketching out a circular pit bench that flowed along a unique curve path. Matt had struck gold. The owner of the house absolutely loved the design and Pikus was able to execute the vision. A plan began to form in Matt’s mind.

Execute Your Plan … And More!

The Pikus design team spent many late nights perfecting the napkin sketch in 3D form. Tweaks were made here and there and the final render was agreed upon. The bench was ready to be printed! As printing began, Matt began to think. He knew there was more to be created with 3DPG and he had a few ideas. He loved the bench… what about matching water features! Taking inspiration from the bench design Matt began to draw up two gorgeous water features. A canoe-shaped infinity pool fountain would be perfect for the cozy spot in the garden! And this beautiful water wall would frame the bathroom so perfectly… Matt pulled the trigger on two more projects to be installed at the same time as the bench.

There are so many statements you can make in this world, and Matt chose to make his with Pikus. The resulting landscape is breathtaking. Each piece just flows into the landscape around it so effortlessly, bringing in a touch of each element into the backyard. This project was such an amazing collaboration and it has brought with it so many new ideas and opportunities to create together. Take a look at the project gallery here to see more of the Hopkins Project. Just as Pikus enabled Matt Thomas to bring his vision to life, Pikus wants to enable all architects to do the same.

  • Our History

    Learn about the adventure that led towards the founding and execution of Pikus 3DPG.

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  • Best Practices

    Learn the best practices for designing in 3DPG. Get a clear overview of limitations, techniques to bypass limits, and more!

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  • Destruction

    Learn how Pikus tests every product, from rigging connections to final attachments.

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  • The Pikus Adventure

    Join Pikus on epic adventures, from hands on creation to destructive testing, Pikus always has fun.

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  • 3DPG vs. CIP

    Take an in-depth journey through the differences between Cast-in-Place construction practices and 3D-printed poly-grout.

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  • Making Your Statement

    How architects can fabricate their dream creations while making a positive impact on their community.

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  • Project Charlie

    Why we didn’t take on Project Charlie and what we learned about the incredible possibilities of 3D poly-grout.

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