The SLUGME 8 Book House is finished and finally installed at our local school! 🎬 Check out the video below 🎬   I had the incredible opportunity to serve as both designer and fabricator on this special project—a custom-built lending library created to spark a love of reading in young minds.   The idea first took shape several months ago during one of our SLUGME 8 planning meetings.   We kicked off the build at the 3DEXPERIENCE Lab in Waltham, MA, where our design and fabrication process was documented and shared as part of the SLUGME 8 event. You can check that out here.    Although we made great progress during the event, we simply ran out of time to complete the entire build on-site. So, I brought the project back to my home studio to finish it up properly.

It all started with a handful of meetings and some intense brainstorming sessions with the SLUGME 8 Team.  While these took place I cranked out a few concept sketches. The team really liked the idea of a large book acting as the roof of the structure. So I went to work around that concept. 

I brought the ideas to life by creating a rough 3D model inside SOLIDWORKS, just enough to get the vision across. From there, @JT and @AB stepped in, rebuilding the structure with full detail and turning that early spark into a complete, ready-to-build model.

Here’s a look at our 3DLean board, where we captured ideas, sketches, links, and helpful resources throughout the build. What I love most about this tool is that it allows everyone on the team to contribute ideas and images, making it an invaluable resource for brainstorming and launching new projects.

The main structure features a tree-trunk base built from multiple layers of plywood, glued and secured together using large threaded rods and hardware. It's a hefty, organic-looking centerpiece that anchors the whimsical book house.  

The crooked tree trunk was inspired by the Pixar tree that is in several of their animated features.

 After removing the temporary vinyl covering on the roof I brushed on three layers of Jesmonite. Thanks to @LD for the advice and know how here. I applied automotive clear coat and silicon to create a strong seal and ensure proper weather proofing. 

FUN FACT: I designed small 3D printed birds using xShape, which now are tucked into the dormers. These birds act as plugs and are a subtle tribute to the two little bluebirds from Disney’s Cinderella who—according to our SLUGME lore—helped us bring this book house to life.  It was great to dust off my paint brushes and add some color to these birds!

I was thrilled to see the book house installed at a local elementary school—where all my kids attend!  Watching the kids’ excitement as they explore the book house has been incredibly rewarding.

 It's already become a beacon of curiosity and imagination, and I know it will inspire many more children to dive into reading.

This project was an absolute blast and a full-on showcase of what’s possible when passionate makers (FROM AROUND THE WORLD) come together. We didn’t hold back—we used CNC milling, 3D printing, laser cutting, Jesmonite, custom resin casting, and a whole range of techniques to bring this to life. It’s 100% custom, and truly a work of art.

A special shoutout to fellow makers and designers @LD and @KD , who brought such great energy and expertise to the table.  Also THANK YOU  @EB and @TB for keeping that SLUGME flame lit! Also a special thanks to @DW for keeping all these crazy critters in line! 

I’m proud to be part of this amazing community and this was a really inspiring build for me. This one’s for the next generation of readers and dreamers.  If we are lucky they might turn into designers and engineers! 😄  🎬

If you want to see even more detail about this project make sure you check out @S post here