Educational models for two different clients.

We’ve produced a few house section models, or what might be termed “dolls house” models, over the last few years but they don’t come up very often so it was quite a coincidence when two unrelated clients ordered these very similar models within a few weeks of each other towards the end of last year. Both models were to be used as educational aids; one for a London based university and the other for a South coast county council. We delivered the models earlier this month and both clients were delighted with the finished results.

Interactive educational model for children.

We were asked to build this display model based just on photographs of a previous version. The model was to be used as an interactive display to demonstrate to young children how rainfall drains through different landscapes. It was a modular design that could be assembled to show either a forest setting or open fields. The clear acrylic boxes will be filled with different types of drainage materials (as reflected in the painted graphics on the front face of the display). A watering can is then used to sprinkle water over the display and the children can see how fast the water drains through the different layers. The inset photo above shows how all the modular components can be stored in the back of the display which is then secured by the fold-down back-panel.

Three models of 5000 year old tombs.

We’ve just completed these three very different types of architectural models – they’re different because the architecture they represent is over 5000 years old. The Maghera Heritage Centre in Northern Ireland commissioned us to create these unusual models of three local megalithic tomb structures. It was a technically challenging project because it was important that the stones were accurately shaped and positioned and had a realistic looking finish. We also had to make sure that the landscaped setting looked convincing and didn’t detract from the realistic appearance of the stones. The client was very pleased with the finished models and it was very enjoyable for us to apply our architectural model making skills to some very different types of man-made structures.

Custom-built planning tool for Logistics division.

This multi-layered display is a custom-built planning tool for the Ministry of Defence Logistics team. They got in touch with a sketch design (literally a very rough sketch) and asked if it was something we could build. The idea was to create 4 vertically stacked transparent maps showing all the UK MOD bases so that the team could assess varying logistics routes by linking different depots both horizontally and vertically with colour-coded string. Our solution was this aluminium framed design that can be easily bolted together but also “flat-packs” into the white base for storage when not in use (which you can see in the inset pic above).

Educational puzzle made from 5mm coloured acrylic.

Alongside our core work we like to fit in one-off unusual projects like these laser cut educational puzzles for the Neuroscience department at Cardiff University. The puzzles, a simplified representation of DNA, were designed as a rough sketch by the client which we then drew up accurately in CAD for final approval by the university. The initial order was for a set of four but with an expectation of additional units at a later date. We’ve produced similar puzzles for the university before (see Laser-cut Brain Puzzle - Recent Projects, March 2017) and actually used the leftover coloured acrylic for this project.

Another high quality sales model for one of our regular clients.

We usually produce at least 2 sales models a year for this client who keeps coming back to us because of the reliable, high-quality service we provide and they’ve just confirmed an order for a new development. At 1:150 scale this model is approx. 1300mm long x 450mm wide which fits perfectly against a wall in a compact marketing suite. If you click on the photos to enlarge them you’ll see we can achieve a high level of realistic detail at this scale.

Sectional demonstration model for new kennel design.

We were commissioned by the DogsTrust charity to produce a compact, portable model showing sectional views through their latest kennel design. The model needed to be detailed enough to illustrate the high-quality features of the design but small enough to be easily transportable. At 1:25 scale the model was less than 500mm long but you can see from the photos that we were able to show a high level of realistic detail. We also supplied the model with a sturdy, waterproof travel case with tailored internal foam lining.

Small industrial model for exhibition events.

At 1:12 scale this compact industrial model was only 500mm long x 270mm high but showed all the detail the client required to demonstrate their product but crucially was also easily transportable, especially as we supplied it with a foam lined travel case. If you click on the first inset pic to enlarge it you can see a close up of the fine detail we are able to laser-engrave on the unit’s front panel.

Three industrial models for an event in Rio.

A producer of specialized equipment for deploying military boats and vehicles via parachute into hard to reach areas, the client for this project asked us to create models of three of their core products for an event in Rio De Janeiro. At 1:20 scale the models were small enough to be easily transportable (the biggest was less than 500mm long) but still needed to show a high level of detail to demonstrate the characteristics of the product. We supplied all three models with custom-made Perspex covers and sturdy, waterproof travel cases with tailored foam interiors.

New lease of life for retired housing model.

After spending several years on the sidelines in the marketing suite of a large housing development in Bath, this “retired” sales model is back in the limelight after the client asked us to mount it on a wall in the development’s on-site community centre. We made the model back in 2017 as a marketing tool for the first phase of the development but once all the plots were sold the model was put to one side having served its purpose. Normally the model would be scrapped but the client decided to donate it to the community centre as an object of local interest. It wasn’t a big job but we were happy to get involved to give our model a new lease of life rather than end its days in a skip.