For Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead

1:750 scale is ideal for a masterplan model because it allows you to represent a large area, such as a town centre, on a reasonably compact base but at the same time the buildings are large enough to appreciate storey heights and general massing. This particular example is approximately 1.8m square and includes over 20 removable panels for the redevelopment zones. This allows interchanging of different options so that each development proposal can be viewed and assessed within the overall 3D context. The clients were delighted with the finished model and indeed, one of the councillors wrote to us personally to say “I would like to once again thank you and all your colleagues for doing such a great job.”

Two more industrial models – Sub-sea control module & Ukube Satellite.

Not all the models we make are scaled down to a smaller size. These two industrial models are both life-size replicas of the real thing. The subsea control module is about 900mm square and was commissioned because the client wanted a lightweight version of the product to take to exhibition venues. The real unit was extremely heavy and difficult to transport whereas our lookalike version, made from thin plastics, could be easily lifted by two men. The Ukube satellite model, made for the UK Space agency, was unusual in that the original satellite was only about 350mm long so there was no need to scale it down. We’ve actually made four of these satellite models with possibly more to follow. They’re used for educational presentations and were made with working hinges so that the solar panels and antennae could be deployed in the same way as the real thing.

Two industrial models for completely different industries

It’s been a particularly busy start to the new year and amongst the smaller projects we’ve completed recently are these two industrial models, one for a Biogas boiler (at 1:15 scale) and one for a water purification system (at 1:8 scale). Both models were for use at trade shows/exhibitions in UK and abroad and were supplied with purpose-built flight cases. The Water purification model was one of a pair and actually had removable sections to show the interior workings but for confidentiality reasons we are unable to show these views. The Biogas boiler model featured white LED uplighters to highlight it within the general plant room context. Unfortunately it was only after the model had gone that we realised we didn’t have any photos with the lights on!

Two unusual projects to brighten up February

As well as our run of the mill (if you can call them that) projects, we often get asked to make unusual objects such as the oval “magic” mirrors and the twin Tipi model shown above. The mirrors were commissioned by an artist for an installation in Italy and had to feature the famous “Mirror, mirror on the wall…” wording in raised gold script. The Tipi model was produced for an events company who wanted to illustrate the exciting and inspirational space created by the twin tent set up.

 Demonstration Model for Utility Oils

The purpose of this model was to demonstrate this company’s fleet of new, purpose-built trailers supplying mobile oil related services to industry. We were able to buy “off the shelf” DAF tractors and brand them with the company’s livery but the trailers had to be built from scratch to incorporate a simplified representation of the client’s oil processing equipment. The roofs of the trailers look as though they have been left off but they are actually made from clear 0.5mm acrylic to allow views into the interior whilst protecting the internal components. The transformer installation was also made from scratch, at a slightly simplified level.

 Industrial model with cut-away internal view

The client for this project was actually the supplier of the oil that goes inside the transformer who wanted to show a typical application of their product in use. That’s why the model shows a cut-away view with a representation of the transformer being full of oil inside. The contained oil is represented by 0.5mm clear acrylic with a pale, slightly rippled amber lacquered finish. It was important that the volume of oil was visible to the eye but clear enough to allow slightly distorted views of the transformer’s internal components. The model was supplied with a purpose-built, aluminium framed flight case because its first use was to be shipped overseas to a trade exhibition.

Concept model shipped to Saudi for competition bid

This white styled concept model incorporates clear Perspex blocks to represent the proposed buildings for a major development in Saudi Arabia. The client RTKL, an international firm of architects, needed a company who could complete the model in just two weeks, despite the fact that for the first week they were still finalizing the scheme. We were happy to take the project on, working flexibly with the client as they evolved their design. The model then had to shipped to Saudi to form the focal point of their presentation for this international competition.

House model with lift-off floors

Because of the complex layout of this luxury villa the developer felt he needed a realistically detailed marketing model to allow potential buyers to fully appreciate the intricacies and subtleties of the architecture, especially as it was situated on a steeply sloping site. As well as giving it a realistic external appearance we also had to build the model in removable layers so that the split level internal room layout could be demonstrated as well. You can see this in one of the images. Although there is no internal colour or detail we did includ some simplified furniture and fittings to give the rooms an instant identity and a clear sense of space.

Interactive update of static model

Originally built as a static model in spring this year, GSK asked if we could add an interactive element to help the model convey a more detailed representation of their sustainable energy and waste treatment processes. Our solution was to add a touchscreen information panel linked to area specific illumination on the model. This is the second major project we’ve completed for the blue chip pharmaceuticals manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline who demand the very highest standards from all their suppliers and sub contactors. The main aim of this model was to demonstrate how the company harnesses biogases from their waste treatment process to fuel a newly installed Combined Heat & Power facility. On the original static model colour coding of the pipes indicated the different stages of the treatment process. The addition of the interactive touch screen and pulsing lights on the model allowed us to create a much more engaging and informative presentation.

Detailed marketing model for retirement development

The developer for this complex group of buildings was aware they needed a realistically detailed 3D model to illustrate how the individual structures formed a linked community of retirement housing. Having been impressed by the quality of work on our website they asked for our proposals and costs for the project. Our solution was this full colour 1:200 scale model which showed plenty of recognisable detail but was compact enough to fit into their sales office. When we delivered the finished model the client emailed straight away with the comments “…can I just say the model of the village looks stunning”. He also commented how much he appreciated the hard work involved in producing such a high quality model.