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.

Fourth model this year for national developer.

One of the UK’s largest housing developers has come back to us again for a 4th sales model this year. They’ve been coming to us for many years for their sales models because of the consistent high quality and value we deliver every time. This model was particularly challenging because of the steep topography of the site which meant that virtually every plot was on a different level. As a sales tool it was important that we accurately modelled every step, retaining wall and embankment across the site so that purchasers could easily understand the levels and contours around whichever house they were looking to buy.

2.5m high models of Communications Masts.

We recently completed this pair of 2.5m high models of ships communications masts for use at DSEI, the premier UK defence Industry event. The masts, one for Port side, one for Starboard, were designed in sections that could be packed into a flight case for shipping and then be easily assembled at the venue. The design also included an extendable aluminium tube to give added strength to the masts’ main structural core. The main photo above shows the models on stand at this year’s event.

Third project this year for South of England developer.

As with the previous post, this is one of three sales models we’ve produced this year for another of our regular clients who keep coming back to us for high quality sales models for their marketing suites. This model was at 1:150 scale which is the ideal scale option for smaller housing developments. Larger developments typically need to be at 1:200 scale or even 1:250 scale just to keep the model base to a manageable size. We were planning to post photos of all three projects this month but two of the almost completed models have gone on hold at the last minute due to some late design changes on site. It’s probably going to be a couple of months before the other two models can be fully completed but hopefully we’ll be able to post finished pics towards the end of this year.

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.