Summary

First things first; attribution for the original design goes to user MiniWorld on pinshape.com. Unfortunately the model is not available on thingiverse, but you can check out the original model here.

The original model was modified as follows:
1) Scaled to 280%
2) The main buildings were entirely hollowed out (wall thickness about 3-5mm), while the bottom was filled in to create a flat surface.

We installed Adafruit NeoPixels in the box underneath and then printed the Opera House itself with eco3D PLA Light Diffusion Filament. This filament was designed to address the shortcomings of using transparent or natural PLA for lighting applications and does result in a smoothly illuminated Opera House.

Note that for lighting applications you should print with 100% infill (as any infill pattern will otherwise be visible through the illumination). This makes for a heavy print (about 10oz for the Opera House in the size as uploaded) and requires some good bed adhesion as even PLA has a tendency to warp and lift off the bed when you print large/thick solid surfaces.

For a detailed description of the project, including detailed instructions on how to install the Adafruit NeoPixels and what electronics supplies we used, check out our blog post "Sydney Opera House Illuminated with Adafruit NeoPixels"

Print Settings

Printer Brand: Airwolf 3D

Printer: AW3D HD

Rafts: No

Supports: No

Resolution: 0.2mm

Infill: 100%

Notes:

If you don't plan on illuminating the Opera House, feel free to use a normal infill percentage around 20%.