New lease of life for three 15 year old models.

We’re frequently asked to mend an existing model but this project was particularly challenging because it involved three very large, very heavy, 15 year old models, all in poor condition. Furthermore the client wanted a custom-built stand that would display the models one above the other so they wouldn’t take up too much space in their reception area. The main reception desk was made from birch-faced ply so we created this simple, sturdy display stand in the same material. The stand was designed as three separate structures that locked together when stacked on top of each other. We enjoyed repairing the models to give them a new lease of life but what made the project even more fun was designing and building a simple, elegant piece of furniture to display them on.

Realistically detailed model at 1:150 scale.

Located on a steeply sloping site (as you can see from the photos) this was a model where the topography was almost as challenging as the building itself. Designed over three levels, interlinked by steps and ramped walkways, the villa was an integral part of the surrounding landscape and the two elements had to be modelled very accurately to fit perfectly together. The client actually asked us to produce two identical models, one to be kept in the UK and the other to be shipped to the architect in Spain.

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.

1:250 scale sales model updated.

We recently added a new phase of houses to this very large sales model. The overall site model was originally completed in August 2020 but only the south part of the site had detailed houses because the north phase was still at design stage. To minimise the time the model was away from the sales office we made all the buildings in advance in our workshop before collecting the model to update the landform. This is something we’ve done quite often when a client is marketing a development in phased stages. Unfortunately because the model had to be returned to site as soon as possible we only got time to photograph it in our workshop, so the photos aren’t the best.

A stylised combination of walnut and clear acrylic.

As well as big, highly detailed sales models we also sometimes produce small, simple projects such as this stylised concept model for a private house. Combining walnut and clear acrylic on a black base, the model was only 160mm square so was very much a portable presentation tool for conveying the fundamental spatial organisation of the building. The project was actually a rush job in the run up to Christmas which we squeezed in round our existing commitments. It was enjoyable for us to work on something so simple and elegant compared to the high level of detail we are normally asked to produce. The architects were so pleased with the model they asked us to produce a second version for them to keep in their studio.

Large illuminated model for marketing suite.

We recently completed this illuminated sales model for a Thames-side housing development in East London. At approx. 2m x 1.4m it is a larger than usual model but the client had allowed plenty of space for it as a centrepiece of their on-site marketing suite. The lighting effects include the option to light up four separate phases individually, controlled by the buttons visible on the front edge of the model. If you click on the right inset image above to enlarge it you can see the high level of detail we can achieve, even at 1:250 scale which is the smallest scale option suitable for this type of sales model.

Fully detailed sales model for the retirement homes sector.

The client for this project got in touch after we were recommended to him by one of our other clients who we’ve worked with for many years. In fact, quite a bit of our work comes via this route and it’s always gratifying to know that our customers are happy to recommend us to other organisations. This model is at 1:150 scale which, as you can see from the photos, allows us to show a high level of architectural detail. It’s an ideal scale choice for mid-sized buildings or compact developments comprising several smaller buildings.

Second model this year for national developer.

Over the last decade we’ve produced several housing models a year for this national house builder and this is the second of three models they’ve ordered this year. They keep coming back to us because they know we always meet deadlines and always produce high quality, accurate models that really help their sales staff do their job. This model is at 1:250 scale which is too small to show a high level of detail but if you click on the images above to enlarge them you’ll see we’re able to show more than enough detail to make the houses, gardens and overall site layout easily understandable. We’re starting the next project for this client later this year.

Industrial model featuring interactive illumination.

Although we specialise in architectural models we also regularly produce high quality industrial models such as this model of a Cryobattery power station which incorporates interactive LED illumination. The CryoBattery system uses renewable sources to compress air in tanks which can later be used to generate power. In effect, it acts as large battery to store energy for when it is most needed. This is very much a stylised representation of the facility with the strong colours being used to indicate different parts of the process. The LED illumination rises slowly upwards to the top of the vessels and then gradually drops down again to represent the “filling up” and “emptying” phases of the CryoBattery facility.

Set of 7 models shipped in Pelicases.

The client for this project initially had the models 3D printed but quickly realised that the quality of finish wasn’t good enough for their requirements so they decided to contact us for help. They wanted to use the models for marketing purposes so it was important the technical spec and level of finish reflected the high quality of their product. We designed the models in three parts that could be easily slotted together including two interchangeable options for the top section. The rotors were able to be freely turned and we recreated the yaw action which allows the turbine assembly to turn and face the direction of the wind. We also added the reflective solar panels shown on top of the wind deflectors and finished the models in the specified white RAL colour. We then provided a Pelicase with tailored foam inserts for each of the 7 models which you can see in one of the photos above.