| Origami Heaven A paperfolding
paradise
The website of
writer and paperfolding designer David Mitchell
x
|
| |
| Cubes,Cube
Combinations and Silverhedra from Multi-Purpose Modules |
| |
| The designs shown on this
page are all parts of sets of designs for cubes, cube
combinations and silverhedra made from the one of other
variant of a multi-purpose module. The basic cube is
shown in all cases but other more complex cubes, cube
combinations and silverhedra are only shown where I have
photos of the designs. Silverhexahedra are not generally
shown. |
| |
| Designs
from Banded Modules |
| |
 |
|
Name: The Banded
Cube Modules / Paper shape / Folding
geometry: 6 modules from symmetric, asymmetric or
doubly assymetric banded modules folded from
various paper shapes.
Designer /
Date: David Mitchell, 2001. Tomoko Fuse and
Francis Ow have produced similar designs.
Reference:
226
Diagrams:
On-line diagrams are available on the Modular Designs page of this site.
|
|
| |
 |
|
Name: The Diagonally
Banded Cube Modules / Paper
shape / Folding geometry: 12 modules from
symmetric, asymmetric or doubly assymetric banded
modules folded from various paper shapes.
Designer /
Date: David Mitchell, 2001.
Reference:
226
Diagrams:
On-line diagrams are available on the Modular Designs page of this site.
|
|
| |
 |
|
Name: The Doubly
Banded Cube aka the Packing Case
Cube Modules / Paper shape / Folding
geometry: 24 modules from symmetric, asymmetric
or doubly assymetric banded modules folded from
various paper shapes.
Designer /
Date: David Mitchell, 2001.
Reference:
226
Diagrams:
Photo in Le Pli 113-114 - Mai 2009 // On-line
diagrams are available on the Modular Designs page of this site.
|
|
| |
 |
|
Name: The
Banded 8-point Stubby Star. Modules / Paper
shape / Folding geometry12 symmetric, asymmetric
or doubly assymetric banded modules folded from
various paper shapes.
Designer /
Date: David Mitchell, 2001.
Reference:
226
Diagrams:
On-line diagrams are available on the Modular Designs page of this site.
|
|
| |
 |
|
Name: The
Banded 20-point Stubby Star. Modules / Paper
shape / Folding geometry: 30 symmetric,
asymmetric or doubly assymetric banded modules
folded from various paper shapes.
Designer /
Date: David Mitchell, 2001.
Reference:
226
Diagrams:
On-line diagrams are available on the Modular Designs page of this site.
|
|
| |
| Designs
from Darwin Modules |
| |
 |
|
Name: The Darwin Cube -
cube with four concealed flaps which can be
brought into view individually and configured to
create contrast patterns. Modules / Paper
shape / Folding geometry: 6 modules from squares
using standard folding geometry.
Designer /
Date: David Mitchell, 2001.
Reference:
231
Diagrams:
On-line diagrams are available on the Modular Designs page of this site.
|
|
| |
 |
|
Name: The Darwin
Cyclone Cube Modules / Paper
shape / Folding geometry: 6 modules from squares
using standard folding geometry.
Designer /
Date: David Mitchell, 2001.
Reference:
231
Diagrams:
As Windmill Cube No 2 in Synergy 2 - Water Trade
// On-line diagrams are available on the Modular Designs page of this site.
|
|
| |
 |
|
Name: The Darwin
Diablo Cube Modules / Paper
shape / Folding geometry: 6 modules from squares
using standard folding geometry.
Designer /
Date: David Mitchell, 2001.
Reference:
231
Diagrams:
Synergy 2 - Water Trade // On-line diagrams are
available on the Modular Designs page of this site.
|
|
| |
 |
|
Name: The Darwin
Dogtooth Cube Modules / Paper
shape / Folding geometry: 6 modules from squares
using standard folding geometry.
Designer /
Date: David Mitchell, 2001.
Reference:
231
Diagrams:
On-line diagrams are available on the Modular Designs page of this site.
|
|
| |
 |
|
Name: The Darwin
Double Flash Cube Modules / Paper
shape / Folding geometry: 6 modules from squares
using standard folding geometry.
Designer /
Date: David Mitchell, 2001.
Reference:
231
Diagrams:
On-line diagrams are available on the Modular Designs page of this site.
|
|
| |
 |
|
Name: The Darwin
Double Rotor Cube Modules / Paper
shape / Folding geometry: 6 modules from squares
using standard folding geometry.
Designer /
Date: David Mitchell, 2001.
Reference:
231
Diagrams:
On-line diagrams are available on the Modular Designs page of this site.
|
|
| |
 |
|
Name: The Darwin
Eccentric Cube Modules / Paper
shape / Folding geometry: 6 modules from squares
using standard folding geometry.
Designer /
Date: David Mitchell, 2001.
Reference:
231
Diagrams:
On-line diagrams are available on the Modular Designs page of this site.
|
|
| |
 |
|
Name: The
Darwin Eccentric Flash Cube Modules / Paper
shape / Folding geometry: 6 modules from squares
using standard folding geometry.
Designer /
Date: David Mitchell, 2001.
Reference:
231
Diagrams:
On-line diagrams are available on the Modular Designs page of this site.
|
|
| |
 |
|
Name: Darwin
Half Diablo Cubes - rearrangeable cubes
from 6 squares. Modules / Paper shape / Folding
geometry: Each cube 6 modules from squares using
standard folding geometry.
Designer /
Date: David Mitchell, 2001.
Reference:
231
Diagrams:
On-line diagrams are available on the Modular Designs page of this site.
|
|
| |
 |
|
Name: The Darwin
Lightning Cube Modules / Paper
shape / Folding geometry: 6 modules from squares
using standard folding geometry.
Designer /
Date: David Mitchell, 2001.
Reference:
231
Diagrams:
As Windmill Cube no 3 in Synergy 2 - Water Trade
// On-line diagrams are available on the Modular Designs page of this site.
|
|
| |
 |
|
Name: Darwin
Single Flash Cubes - rearrangeable cubes
from 6 squares. Modules / Paper shape / Folding
geometry: 6 modules from squares using standard
folding geometry.
Designer /
Date: David Mitchell, 2001.
Reference:
231
Diagrams:
On-line diagrams are available on the Modular Designs page of this site.
|
|
| |
 |
|
Name: Darwin
Triple Flash Cube Modules / Paper
shape / Folding geometry: 6 modules from squares
using standard folding geometry.
Designer /
Date: David Mitchell, 2001.
Reference:
231
Diagrams:
On-line diagrams are available on the Modular Designs page of this site.
|
|
| |
 |
|
Name: The Darwin
Triple Motif Cube Modules / Paper
shape / Folding geometry: 6 modules from squares
using standard folding geometry.
Designer /
Date: David Mitchell, 2001.
Reference:
231
Diagrams:
On-line diagrams are available on the Modular Designs page of this site.
|
|
| |
 |
|
Name: Darwin
Windmill Cube Modules / Paper
shape / Folding geometry: 6 modules from squares
using standard folding geometry.
Designer /
Date: David Mitchell, 2001.
Reference:
231
Diagrams:
On-line diagrams are available on the Modular Designs page of this site.
|
|
| |
 |
|
Name: The Darwin
Yin Yang Cube Modules / Paper
shape / Folding geometry: 6 modules from squares
using standard folding geometry.
Designer /
Date: David Mitchell, 2001.
Reference:
231
Diagrams:
Synergy 2 - Water Trade // On-line diagrams are
available on the Modular Designs page of this site.
|
|
| |
| Designs
from Letterbox modules |
| |
 |
|
Name: The Letterbox
Alpha Hexahedron Modules / Paper
shape / Folding geometry: 3 modules from squares
using standard folding geometry.
Designer /
Date: David Mitchell, 1987.
Reference:
Diagrams:
On-line diagrams are available on the Modular Designs page of this site.
|
|
| |
 |
|
Name: The Letterbox
Beta Hexahedron Modules / Paper
shape / Folding geometry: 3 modules from squares
using standard folding geometry.
Designer /
Date: David Mitchell, 1987.
Reference:
Diagrams:
On-line diagrams are available on the Modular Designs page of this site.
|
|
| |
 |
|
Name: The Letterbox Cube Modules / Paper
shape / Folding geometry: 6 modules from squares
using standard folding geometry.
Designer /
Date: David Mitchell, 1987.
Reference:
Diagrams:
On-line diagrams are available on the Modular Designs page of this site.
|
|
| |
 |
|
Name: The Letterbox
alpha 12-part Cube Modules / Paper
shape / Folding geometry: 12 modules from squares
using standard folding geometry.
Designer /
Date: David Mitchell, 1987.
Reference:
Diagrams:
On-line diagrams are available on the Modular Designs page of this site.
|
|
| |
 |
|
Name: The Letterbox
beta 12-part Cube Modules / Paper
shape / Folding geometry: 12 modules from squares
using standard folding geometry.
Designer /
Date: David Mitchell, 1987.
Reference:
Diagrams:
On-line diagrams are available on the Modular Designs page of this site.
|
|
| |
 |
|
Name: The Letterbox
24-part Cube Modules / Paper
shape / Folding geometry: 24 modules from squares
using standard folding geometry.
Designer /
Date: David Mitchell, 1987.
Reference:
Diagrams:
On-line diagrams are available on the Modular Designs page of this site.
|
|
| |
 |
|
Name: The Letterbox Alpha
8-point Stubby Star - many decorative
variants are possible. Modules / Paper
shape / Folding geometry: 12 modules from squares
using standard folding geometry.
Designer /
Date: David Mitchell, 1987.
Reference:
Diagrams:
On-line diagrams are available on the Modular Designs page of this site.
|
|
| |
 |
|
Name: The Letterbox Beta
8-point Stubby Star - many decorative
variants are possible. Modules / Paper
shape / Folding geometry: 12 modules from squares
using standard folding geometry.
Designer /
Date: David Mitchell, 1987.
Reference:
Diagrams:
On-line diagrams are available on the Modular Designs page of this site.
|
|
| |
 |
|
Name: The Letterbox Alpha
20-point Stubby Star - many decorative
variants are possible. Modules / Paper
shape / Folding geometry: 30 modules from squares
using standard folding geometry.
Designer /
Date: David Mitchell, 1987.
Reference:
Diagrams:
On-line diagrams are available on the Modular Designs page of this site.
|
|
| |
 |
|
Name: The Letterbox Beta
20-point Stubby Star - many decorative
variants are possible. Modules / Paper
shape / Folding geometry: 30 modules from squares
using standard folding geometry.
Designer /
Date: David Mitchell, 2012.
Reference:
Diagrams:
On-line diagrams are available on the Modular Designs page of this site.
|
|
| |
 |
|
Name: The Letterbox
Diagonal Diablo Cube Modules / Paper
shape / Folding geometry: 6 modules from squares
using standard folding geometry.
Designer /
Date: David Mitchell, 2001.
Reference:
048
Diagrams:
On-line diagrams are available on the Modular Designs page of this site.
|
|
| |
 |
|
Name: The Letterbox
Double Rotor Cube Modules / Paper
shape / Folding geometry: 6 Double Rotor
Letterbox modules from squares using standard
folding geometry.
Designer /
Date: David Mitchell, 2001.
Reference:
048
Diagrams:
Synergy 3 - Water Trade // On-line diagrams are
available on the Modular Designs page of this site.
|
|
| |
 |
|
Name: The Single
Rotor Letterbox Cube Modules / Paper
shape / Folding geometry: 6 Single Rotor
Letterbox modules from squares using standard
folding geometry.
Designer /
Date: David Mitchell, 2001.
Reference:
048
Diagrams:
Diagrams not yet available.
|
|
| |
 |
|
Name: The Letterbox
Tiled Diablo Cube - 12-part cube made
from Double Rotor Letterbox modules. Modules / Paper
shape / Folding geometry: 12 modules from squares
using standard folding geometry.
Designer /
Date: David Mitchell, 2001.
Reference:
048
Diagrams:
Synergy 3 - Water Trade // On-line diagrams are
available on the Modular Designs page of this site.
|
|
| |
 |
|
Name: The Letterbox
Tiled Double Rotor Cube - 24-part cube
made from Double Rotor Letterbox modules. Modules / Paper
shape / Folding geometry: 24 modules from squares
using standard folding geometry.
Designer /
Date: David Mitchell, 2001.
Reference:
048
Diagrams:
On-line diagrams are available on the Modular Designs page of this site.
|
|
| |
 |
|
Name: The Antithesis
Cubes - cubes which can be reassembled
as their antithesis without reconfiguring the
modules. Modules / Paper shape / Folding
geometry: 6 modules from squares using standard
folding geometry.
Designer /
Date: David Mitchell, 2001.
Reference:
048
Diagrams:
Synergy 3 - Water Trade // On-line diagrams are
available on the Modular Designs page of this site.
|
|
| |
 |
|
Name: The The
Multicube - two regular cubes, an
eccentric cube and other unusual cubes all from
the same set of modules. Modules / Paper
shape / Folding geometry: 12 modules from squares
using standard folding geometry.
Designer /
Date: David Mitchell, 2001.
Reference:
048
Diagrams:
Synergy 2 - Water Trade (not all patterns
explained) // On-line diagrams are available on
the Modular Designs page of this site.
|
|
| |
 |
|
Name: The Phoenix
Cube Modules / Paper shape / Folding
geometry: 2 sets of 3 mirror-image triangle
letterbox modules from squares using standard
folding geometry.
Designer /
Date: David Mitchell, 2015.
Reference:
379
Diagrams:
On-line diagrams are available on the Modular Designs page of this site.
|
|
| |
| Motley
and Motley Maverick Designs |
| |
 |
|
Name: Motley
Maverick Cubes - 4 different cubes
possible. Modules / Paper shape / Folding
geometry: 6 modules from squares using standard
folding geometry. Motley Maverick designs are
made by combining Maverick modules with Sonobe
alpha and beta modules.
Designer /
Date: David Mitchell, 2015.
Reference:
377
Diagrams:
On-line diagrams are available on the Modular Designs page of this site.
|
|
| |
 |
|
Name: Motley
Maverick Convertible Cube - 4
different designs possible. Modules / Paper
shape / Folding geometry: 6 modules from squares
using standard folding geometry. Motley Maverick
designs are made by combining Maverick modules
with Sonobe alpha and beta modules.
Designer /
Date: David Mitchell, 2015.
Reference:
377
Diagrams:
Diagrams not yet available.
|
|
| |
 |
|
Name: Motley
Maverick 12-point Stubby Star Modules / Paper
shape / Folding geometry: 12 modules from squares
using standard folding geometry. Motley Maverick
designs are made by combining Maverick modules
with Sonobe alpha and beta modules. I have not
worked out how many such designs are possible.
Designer /
Date: David Mitchell, 2015.
Reference:
377
Diagrams:
Diagrams not yet available.
|
|
 |
|
Name: Motley
Maverick 20-point Stubby Star Modules / Paper
shape / Folding geometry: 30 modules from squares
using standard folding geometry. Motley Maverick
designs are made by combining Maverick modules
with Sonobe alpha and beta modules.
Designer /
Date: David Mitchell, 2015.
Reference:
377
Diagrams:
Diagrams not yet available.
|
|
| |
| Designs
from Mondrian Modules |
| |
| It is not possible to make a
20-point Stubby Star from Mondrian modules. |
| |
 |
|
Name: The Mondrian
Cube Modules / Paper shape / Folding
geometry: 12 Mondrian modules (assymetric
corner-pocket Sonobe modules) from squares using
standard folding geometry.
Designer /
Date: David Mitchell, 1995.
Reference:
119
Diagrams:
Synergy 3 - Water Trade // On-line diagrams are
available on the Modular Designs page of this site.
|
|
| |
 |
|
Name: The Mondrian
8-point Stubby Star version a Modules / Paper
shape / Folding geometry: 24 Mondrian modules
(assymetric corner-pocket Sonobe modules) inntwo
sets of 12 from squares using standard folding
geometry.
Designer /
Date: David Mitchell, 1995.
Reference:
119
Diagrams:
Not yet available.
|
|
| |
 |
|
Name: The Mondrian
8-point Stubby Star version b (made from
the same two sets of modules as version a but
less robust) Modules / Paper shape / Folding
geometry: 24 Mondrian modules (assymetric
corner-pocket Sonobe modules) inntwo sets of 12
from squares using standard folding geometry.
Designer /
Date: David Mitchell, 1995.
Reference:
119
Diagrams:
Not yet available.
|
|
| |
 |
|
Name: The Cockeyed
Cube Modules / Paper shape / Folding
geometry: 12 Mondrian modules (assymetric
corner-pocket Sonobe modules) in three sets of
four modules of different proportions. All from
squares using standard folding geometry. One of
the sets can be standard Corner-pocket Sonobe
modules if preferred.
Designer /
Date: David Mitchell, 2017.
Reference:
119
Diagrams:
On-line diagrams are available on the Modular Designs page of this site.
|
|
| |
| Designs
from Semi-Sonobe Modules |
| |
 |
|
Name: The Semi-Sonobe
Cube Modules / Paper shape / Folding
geometry: 12 modules from 2x1 rectangles using
standard folding geometry.
Designer /
Date: David Mitchell, 2013.
Reference:
354
Diagrams:
Not yet available.
|
|
| |
| Designs
from Simplex Modules |
| |
 |
|
Name: The Simplex
Cube - robust 24-part cube from Simplex
modules. Modules / Paper shape / Folding
geometry: 24 L-shaped Simplex modules from
squares using standard folding geometry. Cubes
made from larger numbers of modules are also
possible.
Designer /
Date: David Mitchell, 1989.
Reference:
035
Diagrams:
On-line diagrams are available on the Modular Designs page of this site.
|
|
| |
 |
|
Name: Simplex
Ball of Cubes - robust Ball of Cubes
design made from Simplex modules. Note that
colour scheme shown cannot be completed. Modules / Paper
shape / Folding geometry: Modules from squares
using standard folding geometry.
Designer /
Date: David Mitchell, 2001
Reference:
035
Diagrams:
On-line diagrams available here
|
|
| |
| Designs
from Skew Sonobe and Decorative Skew Sonobe Modules |
| |
 |
|
Name: The Skew
Sonobe Cube Modules / Paper
shape / Folding geometry: 6 Skew Sonobe modules
from squares using the natural folding geometry
of the 2x1 rectangle.
Designer /
Date: David Mitchell, 1990.
Reference:
059
Diagrams:
On-line diagrams are available on the Modular Designs page of this site.
|
|
| |
 |
|
Name: The Decorative
Skew Sonobe Cube Modules / Paper
shape / Folding geometry: 6 Decorative Skew
Sonobe modules from squares using the natural
folding geometry of the 2x1 rectangle.
Designer /
Date: David Mitchell, 1990.
Reference:
059
Diagrams:
On-line diagrams are available on the Modular Designs page of this site.
|
|
| |
 |
|
Name: The Broken
Star Cube Modules / Paper shape / Folding
geometry: 12 Decorative Skew Sonobe modules from
squares using the natural folding geometry of the
2x1 rectangle.
Designer /
Date: David Mitchell, 1990.
Reference:
059
Diagrams:
On-line diagrams are available on the Modular Designs page of this site.
|
|
| |
| Designs
from Sonobe Type Modules |
| |
| The Sonobe module was first discovered by
Mitsonobu Sonobe and the corner-pocket version (probably)
by Tomoko Fuse. Tomoko Fuse also was the first to publish
a beta module cube. At present, lacking evidence to the
contrary, I believe I was the first to develop the idea
of using Sonobe beta modules further. I believe I may
have also been the first to combine mirror-image Sonobe
type modules, in creating the silveroctahedron, and to
combine alpha and beta modules within the same form. I
also believe I was the first to produce and use Sonobe
delta modules. I may well also have been the first to
realise that Sonobe silverhexahedra and silveroctahedra
will collapse flat and pop back into shape and to realise
that cubes made of parallelogram module scan be distorted
into 8-poinr stubby stars. |
| |
| |
|
Name: The
Sonobe Silveroctahedron. This design
will flatten and pop back into shape, hence can
also be called The Sonobe Pop-up
Silveroctahedron. Modules / Paper
shape / Folding geometry: 4 modules in 2 sets of
2 mirror-image parallelogram modules from squares
using standard folding geometry.
Designer /
Date: David Mitchell, 1989.
Reference:
044
Diagrams:
On-line diagrams are available on the Devious Devices page of this site.
|
|
| |
| |
|
Name: The
Sonobe Beta Silveroctahedron. This
design will flatten and pop back into shape,
hence can also be called The Sonobe Beta
Pop-up Silveroctahedron. Modules / Paper
shape / Folding geometry: 4 modules in 2 sets of
2 mirror-image parallelogram modules from squares
using standard folding geometry.
Designer /
Date: David Mitchell, 1989.
Reference:
044
Diagrams:
On-line diagrams are available on the Devious Devices page of this site.
|
|
| |
 |
|
Name: Sonobe
Eccentric Flash Motif Cubes Modules / Paper
shape / Folding geometry: 6 modules in three sets
of different designs using standard folding
geometry. This set of modules can be combined to
create three symmetric cubes and fourteen
different eccentric cubes (cubes in which no two
faces are of identical pattern).
Designer /
Date: Decorative Sonobe module variation probably
by Kunihiko Kasahara, c1980s. Module set and
eccentric cubes by David Mitchell, 1989.
Reference:
232
Diagrams:
Synergy 3 - Water Trade // On-line diagrams are
available on the Modular Designs page of this site.
|
|
| |
 |
|
Name: The Sonobe
Delta Hexahedron can be made by
combining three Sonobe delta modules. Modules / Paper
shape / Folding geometry: 3 triangle modules from
squares using standard folding geometry.
Designer /
Date: David Mitchell,
Reference:
Diagrams:
Not yet available.
|
|
| |
 |
|
Name: The Sonobe 6-part
8-point Stubby Star / Convertible Cube Modules / Paper
shape / Folding geometry: 6 modules from squares
using standard folding geometry. Stubby Stars
made from larger numbers of modules are also
possible.
Designer /
Date: David Mitchell, early 1990s.
Reference:
Diagrams:
On-line diagrams are available on the Modular Designs page of this site.
|
|
| |
 |
|
Name: The Sonobe Beta
12-part 8-point Stubby Star - many
decorative variants are possible. Modules / Paper
shape / Folding geometry: 12 modules from squares
using standard folding geometry.
Designer /
Date: David Mitchell, 2012.
Reference:
Diagrams:
On-line diagrams are available on the Modular Designs page of this site.
|
|
| |
 |
|
Name: The Sonobe Beta
20-point Stubby Star - many decorative
variants are possible. Modules / Paper
shape / Folding geometry: 30 modules from squares
using standard folding geometry.
Designer /
Date: David Mitchell, 2012.
Reference:
Diagrams:
On-line diagrams are available on the Modular Designs page of this site.
|
|
| |
| |