Range of Models for HSBC Bank

This diverse group of models was commissioned by HSBC bank as part of a worldwide branch refurbishment program. Designed to fit into standardized glass cabinets, the purpose of the models is to draw attention to newly created information panels featuring case studies of companies the bank has supported. Each model reflects an important element of the company’s field of business. The picture above shows four of the models in one of HSBC’s main branches in central London. So far we’ve sent dozens of sets of models to branches in cities all over the world, as far apart as Vancouver, Paris and Hong Kong (to name but a few). All the models began as concept visuals which we then developed from prototypes through to final approved designs, before going into batch production. The range comprises seven different model types and we are currently in the process of developing new model designs for three new case studies. We’re pleased to be able to say this is an ongoing project with orders coming in on a regular basis.

Seven different model designs

The creation of these seven very different models required a wide range of model making techniques and involved solving many technical problems along the way. The models look deceptively simple in the photos but each design had at least one technically demanding issue that needed resolving. Furthermore they had to be designed so that they could be safely shipped in cardboard boxes, be easily assembled on site, and be durable enough for long term display. Luckily this is just the sort of challenge we enjoy. With our highly skilled team and 20 years of experience behind us, we were able to turn the initial concept sketches into the eye catching models that are now on display in HSBC branches around the world.

Rain Making Exhibition Model

For this particular project we were commissioned by a subsidiary of the Dow Chemical company to design and create an exhibition model that demonstrated the unique properties of their rail-track ballast stabilization system. The key feature of the product was that it bonded the ballast together whilst still allowing free drainage between the individual stones. This free draining aspect was the product’s major advantage and the display had to illustrate this in a visual demonstration. It also had to be compact and portable as it would be travelling to exhibition venues all over the world (the electrics needed to be compatible with multinational power systems). Our solution was to create a “Rain Machine” that showed a sample of the client’s product (using clear stones rather than conventional ballast) under a continuous deluge of water, set within a Perspex tank. The clear void underneath the ballast showed the “rain water” draining freely into the collection tank below where it was pumped back up to the header tank at the top to continue the cycle. This image shows the model without the water running for clarity. Since this picture was taken branding graphics have been added and the model has gone off to its first venue     in Germany. We’re hoping to add some on-site “in action” shots at a later date.

World Map Model

The purpose of this model was to show the multiple global locations of this international logistics company’s distribution depots. The model formed part of a coordinated set of information displays for their in-house visitor centre. From a very loose initial brief we helped the client pin down the specification and general appearance of the model to ensure it became an eye catching and informative centrepiece for the room. The model features detailed inset panels and a simple interactive element with button controlled illumination.

Housing Development Model – Scale 1:200

Commissioned for use in an on-site Sales Office, this is a typical marketing model for a new housing development. We have produced scores of these models over the years and this particular example was for one of the UK’s largest house builders. They liked it so much they’ve now asked us to quote for another.

Children’s Hospital Model – Scale 1:200

We were very pleased to be involved with this extremely important local project. This compact, portable model is being used to help raise funds to build the second phase of the much needed Children’s Hospital for Wales. The proposed new building is modelled in full colour and detail adjacent to the existing phase 1 building which is shown as a white massing block. The rest of the general hospital context buildings can be seen in the background, shown as grey massing blocks.

Third sales model this year for major UK house builder.

This is the third sales model we’ve produced this year for one of the UK’s biggest housing developers. We’ve been supplying high quality sales models for their marketing suites for over 12 years and have another very large project for them booked in later this year. An important feature of this site was the sloping topography which had to be very precisely modelled so that the gardens with retaining walls and steps could be accurately represented. If you click on the right inset pic above you can see a close up example of these level changes.

2.2 metre high model of navigation buoy.

A company that produces and maintains navigation buoys around Britain’s coastlines asked us to produce this quarter scale model of one of their standard buoys for use at exhibition events. At 2.2m tall it had to be made in sections that could be packed in flight cases for shipping but that could be easily assembled on site. If you click on the main photo above you can see the full extent of the model. To add some extra visual interest we came up with the idea of mounting it on a clear Perspex tube to give the impression that it was floating.

Two 1 metre long models for Finnish client.

We’ve produced many different satellite models over the years and recently completed two identical 1m long models for a client in Finland. The models have three removable hanging hooks because they’ve been designed to hang above an exhibition stand at an upcoming event. In one of the inset photos you can see how we used clear acrylic angle brackets to support the solar panels which weren’t strong enough to be self-supporting. The models were packed in two flight cases strapped to a pallet and arrived safe and sound in Finland last week.

Detailed models of three historic sites.

Back in 2021 we completed three models of megalithic tombs for a Heritage Centre in Northern Ireland (see Recent projects – May 2021) and they were so pleased with them they came back to us for three more models which we’ve just completed. As you can see from the photos above, they were three very diverse sites; a ruined church, a disused Water Mill and a landmark Cairn but hopefully we’ve captured the spirit and character of each of these three historic sites. All the models had to be interpreted from very limited information, chiefly consisting of images from reference books in conjunction with current site photos.

Detailed model with extending fold-down ramp.

At 1:25 scale this model of an aircraft boarding system was only 450mm long but as you can see from the photos we were able to include plenty of realistic detail including scaled down branding and and even a fold-down ramp. The finished model also came with a clear Perspex cover and a foam lined transportation case.