Small scale, white styled massing model – Scale 1:750

This project was actually completed in November last year but we refrained from featuring it in these pages until it had gone in front of the planners for an important presentation. The purpose of the model was to illustrate the comparative massing of the proposed new build apartments and to show how the proposal enhanced the existing cricket ground by creating a sense of enclosure around it. The thing that is hard to appreciate with this small scale model is just how small the buildings are – the apartment buildings are actually no more than 25mm tall! If you click on the images to enlarge them you’ll see how much detail we have managed to show in what is essentially a simplified massing model.

Six models head off to St Petersburg

Commissioned for a Russian developer, this group of six models all had to be designed to fit into large standard suitcases so they could travel out to St Petersburg as normal luggage. This necessitated choosing a small scale and making the models as sturdy as possible to withstand the rigours of both UK and Russian baggage handlers. The white model is for a proposed Sailing Club and is at 1:750 scale. It also incorporates battery powered LED illumination. The full colour models are at 1:300 scale and show five proposed designs for luxury holiday dachas.

Saint Petersburg Marina – Scale 1:750

One of the most significant features to note about this masterplan model for a proposed marina development in Saint Petersburg is the high level of detail that can be achieved at this very small scale. Not one of the buildings on this model is more than 35mm tall. And just for good measure and for added impact they all had to light up at the touch of a button. The model was built on a very tight schedule and shipped off to Russia (in a purpose-built flight box) to be used the centrepiece of a major presentation.

Planning Application Model – Scale 1:750

This is another excellent example of how clear and informative a 1:750 scale model can be, despite the main building being less than 50mm tall. The proposed new building is made to a surprisingly detailed level with crisp representation of the architecture, including window fenestration. This style of model is quick and relatively inexpensive to produce but the clean, fresh appearance has charm and clarity, which goes a long way to help sell a scheme.

Block Model for Proposed Harbour Redevelopment – Scale 1.750

This model demonstrates how three different levels of detail can be combined to create an informative, attractive but not overly expensive block model. The ordinary off-site context buildings are made with very simplified flat roofs; the landmark off-site buildings are made to a very detailed recognizable level with windows and accurate roof pitches, while the proposed new buildings (which are still only a concept design) are made to crisply detailed level somewhere in between. You should be able to see all this if you click on the image to see a close-up view.