Puerta del Sol
The Puerta del Sol in Toledo, Spain, is a 14th-century Mudéjar-style gate blending Gothic and Arabic elements. Inspired by its symmetry, I began designing in CAD, splitting the building into three sections for laser cutting. XPSing followed, requiring precision with arches and columns. Stonework was carefully scribed for consistency, and the brick styles varied as per references. Texturing with sculpting tools added depth. Later, I incorporated windows and roof tiles using plaster molds and CAD. The structure now stands unpainted, complete with a cobblestone path, ready to transport anyone to Toledo's historic charm.
Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, known as El Cid, was a Christian knight who navigated complex relationships with both Christian and Moorish rulers in 11th-century Spain. His wife, Jimena Díaz, came from a noble Christian background. Their bond transcended cultural boundaries, with Jimena standing by him during exile. The Moors and Christians traded goods such as silk, spices, and scientific knowledge, enriching both cultures through this exchange.
Steps and Process
Introduction and CAD: The Puerta del Sol, Toledo, Laying the Foundation
The Puerta del Sol in Toledo, Spain, is a 14th-century Mudéjar-style gate built by the Knights Hospitaller. It blends European Gothic and Arabic architectural elements like horseshoe arches and intricate brickwork. As a fan of medieval Arabic architecture, I’m drawn to its unique symmetry and patterns. Discovering this gate felt like finding a hidden gem, a beautiful testament to history’s interconnectedness.
I began by designing the general shape in CAD. It was easy to split the building into three sections for 2D laser cutting templates. The tricky part? Making sure the curved tower and base had equal divisions. I also created arches and intricate window designs, even though CAD could be frustrating at times!
XPSing: Shaping the Tower
Once the templates were ready, I started XPSing. The project’s height presented challenges, but with a larger hotwire table, I didn’t need to split the cuts into three levels. I used two templates for cuts thicker than 2cm to avoid wonky edges. For the arches, I used double-sided card to avoid tape. Delicate hotwiring was key for the intricate ribbons and columns, requiring practice and precision.
Stonework & Brick Details
After shaping the structure, I dove into the stonework. The bricks were less rectangular than usual, so I carefully kept consistency in size. I added border strips to define edges and scribed bricks for realism. Behind the arches, I varied the brick styles to match the reference photos. A triangle behind the second arch added another layer of complexity.
Texturing: Adding Depth and Detail
I started with a scalpel blade to outline the bricks, a tedious task to give depth. Then, I used my trusty stone to texture the surface, followed by sculpting tools to manipulate the stonework further. The illusion of detail emerged, and it was immensely satisfying to see the building take shape!
Windows and Additional Details
I added the windows later in the project, almost as a separate task. Using CAD again, I cut out sections of the wall for the balcony windows. Roof tiles were made using a plaster mold, and I layered them with balsa planks. The curvature caused a few headaches, but where there’s a will, there’s a way!
Unpainted, the structure stands proudly, with a cobblestone path leading through the entrance. It’s ready for a walk through the old town of Toledo, complete in all its glory.
Puerta del Sol
Toledo - Spain
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