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.

Custom Designed Furniture

We were commissioned by Cardiff Castle to design and build these bespoke pieces of furniture for use in their new visitor centre. The three items are an Art Trolley (for storing craft materials), a Puppet Theatre, and a Costume Rail. Standard versions of this type of furniture were available through catalogues but the client asked if we could design and build some unique, original pieces that reflected the nature of the building and its historical links with craftsmanship and detailed design (William Burgess). Each of the units is based on a distinctive element of the Castle architecture and is built from Oak faced Ply to co-ordinate with the existing wooden finishes in the Visitor Centre. The client was so pleased with the results they have very kindly agreed to let us feature their comments on the Testimonials page of this web site.

Industrial Transformer Model – Scale 1:20

The client for this project was on site in India when we first sent him images of the finished model. His comments were... “Absolutely brilliant, I'm here in India with the Snr Project Manager who managed this project for 2 years and he can't believe it’s just a model”. We were particularly pleased with the results ourselves, especially as it was such a technically demanding project due to the need for a high level of accuracy and very authentic detailing. The model is made predominantly out of laser-cut acrylic components with very careful hand finishing and assembly, plus a final coat of paint of course. It was mounted on a square base with a Perspex cover (overall dimensions about 650mm high).

Industrial Model of Container Tilter – Scale 1:10

The client for this project needed a working model to demonstrate the unique benefits of their product, a machine to increase the efficiency of container loading. Previously they’d had to ship the real thing to exhibitions at great expense but the working model offered a much more practical solution. Accurately detailed with all the machine’s time saving features fully operational, the model allowed the client to quickly and clearly demonstrate exactly how his product worked. The model’s first trip was to America but with plans for it to travel to many different international venues, we also designed and built a flight case that would protect it in transit and then convert on site into a neat plinth to display the model on.

Bed for Pica sufferer

We were commissioned to design and build a bed suitable for a child with learning disabilities and afflicted by Pica, an unfortunate condition which compels sufferers to attempt to eat non nutritional objects other than food. The particular problem in this instance was this child’s compulsion to bite and gnaw at her wooden bed frame in the night. Our solution was to create a frame with rounded edges using UPVC tubing with a radius that prevented the child from being able to actually bite. The overhanging frame work also prevented the child pulling up and chewing at the edges of the specially purchased mattress.

Industrial Model of Profiler – Scale actual size

February was a particularly busy month with projects including an update of a planning model we originally made in 2008 plus a group of small display models for a huge international bank (this is an ongoing project which has to remain confidential for now). We also completed this Industrial model of a Profiler, a piece of equipment that “profiles” the contents of large storage tanks for oil and associated industries. The client already had a mock up of the real thing but it was made from steel and incredibly heavy and therefore difficult to transport. Our model was made predominantly from plastics and was therefore much lighter. We actually produced three identical units which included 500mm diameter acrylic display tubes and purpose-built flight boxes. They have been sent off to exhibition venues in various parts of the world.