Two 1:400 scale models of parcel handling depot

UK Mail ordered two identical site models of their huge new facility at Ryton because they needed an overview model at either end of the site, one in the offices and one in the main warehouse building. Constructing two models at the same time enabled us to offer them a significant saving on the second unit. 1:400 scale is a good option for a site model because it keeps the base size down but still allows us to show a recognisable level of detail. We were even able to show a good representation of the parcel handling conveyors through the cut-away roof (click on the inset pic above to see the detail).

Our Cardiff model shines at Cannes Mipim

We’re just recovering from transporting our 6.5m x 5.5m interactive model of Cardiff all the way to Cannes and back for the Mipim 2015 property marketing event. We had to pack the model up in two large vans, drive for 2 days to Cannes via Eurotunnel, set the model up, hang around Cannes for 3 days (it wasn’t all hard work) and then do the whole process in reverse, getting the model reinstalled in its marketing suite in Cardiff for a VIP event last week. Fortunately the model was specially designed so that it could be taken apart and transported to different locations as this was a major requirement in our original brief. So far it’s been to Cannes this year, London Mipim last October, and a couple of local venues earlier last year. No doubt we’ll be off on our travels again soon – watch this space.

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.

Housing models for national developer    

We recently completed these two sales models for a national house builder, both at 1:250 scale to keep the base sizes reasonably compact. We usually do these sort of housing models at a slightly larger scale (1:200) because it allows us to show plenty of detail but when space is an issue 1:250 scale is a really good option. Although the detail has to be slightly simplified you can still get a good feel for the architecture of the houses and a good overview of the gardens, landscaping and general layout of the site. We’ve been producing these sorts of housing models for almost 25 years so we really know what looks good and helps give the buyer confidence to buy when there’s little more than a muddy building site outside the sales office. We’ve actually got two more of these housing models nearing completion for the same developer with several other sites coming up in next few months.