Masterplan Model – Scale 1:1000
This model is essentially a 3D representation of the client’s colour coded masterplan for the redevelopment of a disused quarry site in the South of England. The local planning authorities requested the model so that they could get a clear understanding of how the new mixed use development would fit into the re-contoured landscape of the quarry. Even at 1:1000 scale (1mm equals 1 metre) we had to accurately model all the proposed new contours and levels across the site, including the old quarry cliff faces. The colour coded buildings indicate the proposed usage and maximum roof heights for each of the plots. The colours reflect those used on the original 2D masterplan but toned down to create an aesthetically pleasing appearance for the model.
Military Equipment Model "PURIBAD" Airborne Delivery System – Scale 1:10
Platform, Universal, Rigid Inflatable Boat, Airborne Delivery... is what it stands for, in case you were wondering. The name is an acronym for a platform specially designed for air dropping ready-to-go speedboats (or RIBs) into the sea. The system literally launches itself out of the back of a plane, separates from the boat, deploys parachutes and lands both platform and RIB safely into the water. The platform can be recovered for further use or sunk for covert operations. Having explained what it is now I can tell you a bit about the model. It’s at 1:10 scale (10cm equals 1 metre) and was commissioned as a demonstration tool for use at exhibitions. The client needed all the working components to be accurately modelled (hooks, straps, spring release clips, etc) so that he could explain the simplicity of the design and what made it such a reliable, proven system. It was a challenging project because of the high level of detail required and the wide variety of model making techniques needed to make all the model components. We were very pleased with the final result though and hopefully you can appreciate the quality of the model from the photographs.
Bridge Model – Scale non specific
We’ve chosen to feature this stylized bridge model for December (you’ll no doubt recognize it as Sidney Harbour Bridge) because the main projects we’ve been working on this month won’t be completed until late January, so no pics currently available (click on October 2009 to see another bridge example). This simplified version of Sydney’s famous landmark measured 1800mm in length and was used as a table centrepiece for a corporate function – the theme for the evening was, of course, Australia. We’re heading off for a function of our own now – with a Christmas theme! We’ll be back keen and eager in the New Year to finish off our current projects and get stuck into some exciting new ones.
Private House Model – Scale 1:100
We had an extremely busy month through November but unfortunately we can’t show most of these projects as they are currently confidential (the client is a huge international financial institution). We have, however had permission to show this model of a proposed private house in Cannes. The purpose of the model is to illustrate how the design addresses this steeply sloping site, not just externally but also internally, and to this end the building actually separates out into three layers to expose the proposed internal room layout. We haven’t been able to take any proper photographs of this model as yet because it is still a work in progress. There is a second part of the site still to make which should be completed early next year and that is when we plan to feature it properly in these pages.
Pouring Teapot – Scale “oversized”
This slightly surreal model showing an oversized teapot frozen in mid pour into an oversized teacup presented a number of technical problems. The heavy looking teapot had to be made very lightweight so that it could be supported by the pouring column of tea. The “tea” element of the model had to be sculpted and cast as a separate unit (in tinted clear resin) that would fit into the cup and into the spout of the teapot. The cup and saucer had to be weighted so that the whole model would be a freestanding unit. This was just one of a series of half a dozen different models for a huge multi-national company. The models are to be used as eye catching 3D displays in support of marketing promotions within the company’s main branch offices. They may be required in large numbers if the promotions are rolled out worldwide.
