Marketing model for national house builder

We recently completed this large model (approx. 2m x 1.5m) for a national house builder but it was actually built in 3 stages as each phase of the development was launched. The main body of the model was built early last year and included the landscaping and road infrastructure of the whole site but only about a third of the houses (representing phase 1 of the development). In the middle of the year we brought the model back to our workshops and added the phase 2 buildings and have now just added the Phase 3 houses to complete the project. The developer uses these models for all of their sites because they are such a useful marketing tool to help sell the houses. We’ve been producing sales models for them for many years and have several more projects in the pipeline for Spring this year.

Life size model of UK satellite

We’ve made several models of satellites over the last few years including the Gaia Spacecraft and UKube Satellite (Recent Projects June 2013 and March 2013 respectively) and, as often happens, this model was commissioned due to a referral from one of the previous clients. These models are mostly used for educational or promotional purposes in the UK but this particular example had to be shipped directly to Mexico for a major presentation. With this in mind we made the model with a detachable stand, push-fit aerials, and fold up solar panels so that the whole thing could flat-pack for shipping.

Realistically detailed model creates a splash at show

The client for this project wanted a model that would be an eye catching centrepiece on their stand at several trade shows throughout the coming year. The company produces a wide range of water tanks for markets all over the world and they wanted the model to illustrate several technical details about their products, both inside and outside. For this reason we made the models as half tanks so the inside could be viewed as well as the exterior. If you click on the photos to enlarge them you’ll see the high level of detail we’ve been able to show at this scale. We also provided a purpose-built aluminium framed flight case to protect it during shipping.

with tailored flight case for model on the move.

The client for this project wanted a demonstration model that could be safely transported and easily set up in potential customer’s premises. Our solution was this 1:15 scale model which was designed as a set of individual units that could be packed into a specially tailored travel case (see image above). The units are only 140mm tall but are made with realistic detail so that their function is instantly recognisable. To complete the picture we also created a “flat-pack” room setting made from white acrylic panels.

 Interactive Masterplan Model 1:750 Scale

By all accounts, our 6.5m x 5.5m interactive model of Cardiff stole the show at Olympia during London’s inaugural MIPIM global property conference last week. Our team set it up on Tuesday for the 3 day event and then dismantled it on Friday evening, bringing it back to Cardiff (in two vans) where it is shortly going to set up in a permanent marketing suite. Once the model is in its new home it will be used to promote the city of Cardiff to national and international investors. It is a fully interactive model controlled via a large touchscreen which activates over 30 different lighting zones on the model and at the same time displays relevant information pages on the touchscreen. The screen images will also be projected onto a giant screen so that the information is visible to all.

Stylised  internal view of manufacturing plant.

The brief for this project was to create an eye catching but very stylized representation of this proposed factory layout. The client didn’t want too much detail because many of the manufacturing processes were confidential. At approximately 1.2m x 1m and 700mm high, this was a large, technically challenging model that needed to be strong enough to withstand frequent shipping to trade shows and exhibitions across Europe. We added strength by building in steel reinforcement for all the major components which were then fixed through to the underside of the structural base. We also supplied a Perspex cover and sturdy white plinth that could be “flat-packed” under the model in a purpose-built, high quality flight case.

Accurate topographical model for public consultation.

This 2.5m x 2.5m model was commissioned as part of a public consultation process for a proposed development just off the M1. Comprising 6 A0 sized sections, the purpose of the model was to demonstrate how high embankments and landscaping around the site would screen it from surrounding villages. For this reason it was important that the proposed on-site levels and surrounding topography were all accurately recreated. The buildings are only shown as massing blocks due to the small scale (1:1250). Each metre is represented by just 0.8mm, so that the 16 metre high commercial buildings shown on the model are only approx. 13mm high.

Exhibition display for “Jumping Pillows”.

The client for this project “Jumping Pillows”, who specialise in installing inflatable play areas, asked us to design and build an eye catching model for use at exhibition events around the UK. We based this model on one of their recent installations and gave it strong colours and realistic detail so that it really draws the eye. The fencing and picnic tables give a good sense of scale but we also supplied some clear silhouette figures that the client could place on the model as an additional detail if required (you can see these better if you click on the two smaller pics above).

Mobile display models for a ground breaking construction product.

Concrete Canvas, a South Wales based company with an innovative, concrete based construction material, commissioned us to produce 8 mobile display models for use by their sales team. The displays were designed to demonstrate the speed and simplicity of construction using their unique, concrete based fabric which comes on a roll but sets solid when soaked with water. We made the ditch and bund profiles using the actual product formed over simulated earthworks. Each model was supplied with a purpose-built flight case (shown in main image) to protect it in transit and for storage when not in use.

A room divide with a difference!

We don’t just do models! When our website guys “Designer Websites” asked if we could come up with a quirky installation for their refurbished meeting room we suggested this “designer” partition wall featuring custom-made tiles and a hidden door. They needed to divide the room and we felt this was a more interesting solution than a painted stud partition wall with a standard door. The tiles are made from back-sprayed clear acrylic using colours from their logo and arranged in a pattern they designed themselves. The flush fitting “secret” door closes automatically to avoid the need for a handle on the facing side. The whole installation was built in our workshop in three sections so that it could be delivered and installed on site with minimum disruption. Designer Websites were keen to get us involved because all the main refurbishments in the room (floor, signage, table, blinds, etc.) were provided by other companies they’d built websites for – a good opening talking point for meetings with potential new clients.

The partition and secret door can be seen at the beginning of this video: