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.

 White styled model showing detailed atrium interior

After commissioning the site model shown in the previous post, the client decided they also needed a larger scale model to illustrate the most exciting element of their proposed new design – the full height atrium that anchors the two main wings of the building. The larger scale means it is much easier to appreciate the dramatic space created by the atrium enclosure, which features viewing galleries, multi-level bridge links, and subtle layering of the internal elevations. To allow all round views through to the atrium, the main wings of the building were modelled as cut-way sections. This also helped emphasise that the central space was the main focus of the model.

 White styled model of proposed college buildings

This white styled model was used to illustrate a proposed design for a new college. The white styling was chosen deliberately so as not to be too specific about material finishes – these were to be finalized at a later date. 1:400 is quite a small scale but it is ideal for a site model because it allows us to show a wide overall area on a fairly compact base. And if you click on the images to enlarge them you’ll see that, despite the small scale, we can still show plenty of informative detail that invites close-up inspection and therefore engages the viewer. This was one of two models that formed an overall presentation. The second model (which will be the subject of my next post) was a larger scale sectional model focussing on the building’s main architectural feature, the central Atrium.

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.

Detailed marketing model on complex sloping site.

This technically demanding project was one of several marketing models we have made recently for national house builder Taylor Wimpey. It was a particularly difficult project because it comprised over 150 units on a steeply sloping site. Many of the houses were split level properties and each plot required accurate modelling of retaining walls, complex access steps, and carefully designed embankments in the gardens. Even though 1:250 is a fairly small scale, if you click on the first image to enlarge it you’ll see the high level of detail we have been able to achieve. The second image shows the model on site in their marketing suite.

Button controlled model for Northern PowerGrid

CLNR stands for Customer Led Network Revolution, a method of optimizing the power supply network based on immediate reaction to varying customer demands. The purpose of this model was to illustrate Northern Powergrid’s strategies for maximizing the efficiency of their supplies to both domestic and commercial users. The model looks deceptively simple but actually features some complex programming to demonstrate how the network adjusts to the demands of different users at different times of the day, including storing surplus power for later use. The button panel allows the user to set up varying power requirements which are indicated by lights on the model (turning red) and then press further buttons that illustrate how the demands are resolved (turning the lights green) with energy efficient systems and procedures.