Exploring the limits of Spline3D through precision modeling.

This project was a personal challenge - to model something intricate and technically demanding using only Spline3D’s native tools. I chose the Nothing Headphones 1 because of its transparent design language, precise geometry, and subtle material transitions.

The goal was simple: to test how far Spline3D can go when used for complex 3D modeling, not just visualization or prototyping.

Every component of the Nothing Headphones 1 was modeled from scratch inside Spline using standard primitives, booleans, and spline curves. No external 3D software or imported assets were used - this was a complete end-to-end build within the browser.

The earcup structure was created by refining cube primitives with subdivision modifiers.

Circular and rectangular booleans were used to carve out the vent holes, button areas, and layered inner design.

The headband was modeled using spline curves and cylinder deformations to keep it lightweight yet realistic.

Throughout the process, I made sure the topology remained clean to ensure smooth edges after subdivision. The inner details - such as the screw holes, port cutouts, and design contours - were also modeled directly in Spline, as shown in the work-in-progress screenshots.

To stay consistent with Nothing’s minimal and transparent aesthetic, I used textures and matcaps directly from the Spline library. These materials helped bring subtle reflections, metallic tones, and the distinct translucent plastic look characteristic of the Nothing brand.

I adjusted lighting inside Spline to highlight the soft curves and depth of the design, achieving a premium, product-photography-like feel without leaving the Spline environment.

Despite the complexity, the final model was kept under 1Mb and a loading score of 97/100 for web embedding. By strategically merging geometry and managing subdivisions, I maintained smooth performance while keeping the detail intact - proving that Spline can handle intricate 3D assets efficiently when modeled thoughtfully.

The main challenge was balancing form complexity with performance, especially since Spline doesn’t have traditional polygon modeling tools like other 3D software. However, with creative use of primitives and curve deformations, I was able to model every visible detail accurately.

This project reaffirmed my belief that Spline3D isn’t limited to visualization or animation - with the right approach, it’s a capable tool for complex product modeling as well.

A fully modeled, detailed, and optimized version of the Nothing Headphones 1, built entirely inside Spline - showcasing that even the most intricate designs can be recreated in-browser without compromising quality or performance.