Hi everyone,
We’re excited to share the first public release of Voussoir, a Grasshopper plugin focused on parametric stereotomic vault generation and voussoir-block modelling.
What Voussoir does
Voussoir introduces a set of tools designed to:
- Generate base vault geometry — create base surfaces for barrel vaults from simple guide lines/curves (springer lines + vault profile).
- Divide vaults into voussoirs — automatically subdivide vault surfaces into spanwise and lengthwise voussoirs, defining intrados planes, contact surfaces, and longitudinal/transversal division planes.
- Generate solid voussoirs with intrados, extrados and contact surfaces — suitable for modelling or fabrication.
- Generate springers (trapezoid or wall-based) based on the vault geometry and the voussoirs closest to each springer line.
The aim is to make vault design more parametric, intuitive, and fabrication-ready inside Rhino/Grasshopper.
Components
| Component | Role |
|---|---|
| BVSrf | Base vault surface: define springer lines + profile → vault surface |
| BVDivG | Vault division: create division grid for voussoirs |
| VoussPlnr | Solid voussoir blocks from division planes |
| SprT / SprW | Springer generation (trapezoid or wall-based) |
| ArcH / CatH / ParH | Utilities: create arc, catenary, or parabola by height |
Who it’s for
Architecture studios, students, heritage researchers, digital-fabrication workflows.
If you design vaults, stereotomic geometry, or block-based masonry — Voussoir aims to speed up your process.
Learn more at: https://stbim.arq.up.pt/voussoir_gh/
Get it now
Install via Rhino’s Package Manager → “Voussoir”
or download from → https://www.food4rhino.com/en/app/voussoir?lang=en
Future plans
- Additional vault types (groin, ribbed, etc.)
- Parametric joint & block-pattern control
- UI improvements for streamlined vault design
Feedback, bug reports, or feature requests are welcome.