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.

6 display models for HSBC branch refurb in Canada

Our latest confirmed order is for 6 models for display in a newly refurbished HSBC main branch in Canada. Commissioned as part of an ongoing worldwide branch refurbishment programme, we’ve created scores of these models over the past two years and sent them to HSBC branches in cities all over the globe. 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. So far we’ve created seven different model types, with more designs pending. All the models began as concept visuals which we then developed from prototypes through to final approved designs, before going into batch production. The main picture above shows four of the models in one of HSBC’s central London branches. The smaller images show close-up views of three of the model types.

 Brazil, China... Stafford – More models off to exotic locations!

After sending five models to Russia last month we’ve just received a new multiple export order – two models for Brazil, one for China... and one up the M6 to Stafford where the client’s UK facility is based. The orders are for four identical 1:20 scale industrial transformer models similar to the one illustrated above. We actually made this model for the client last year and it generated such a positive response from their overseas colleagues that they’ve come back to us for more. As part of the project we’ll be supplying specially made shipping crates to protect them on their travels.

Retail Display Unit - Scale 1:20

When there isn’t the budget for a full colour, realistically detailed model, sometimes this monochromatic, white styled approach is a viable alternative. At 1:20 scale, this model is only 150mm high but with clear acrylic shelves and a matt white general finish, it provides an instantly understandable 3D representation of the unit. We’ve even been able to show the fine perforations in the curving roof panel.

 Olympic Countdown Clock

With just over 12 months to go to the start of the Olympics, we were asked to create 7 of these Olympic Countdown displays for the reception areas of a large organization's main offices around the south of England. It was a major challenge, particularly as we only had two and a half weeks to complete the project. The client's concept design for the display was not very practical to build, or to use, so the first thing we had to do was create a new, simpler system that would allow the boxes to be easily and securely positioned in the different number combinations. Our solution was to incorporate clear acrylic "hooks" on the backs of the boxes that could be universally fitted into precisely positioned slots on the 2 metre high acrylic back wall. It was simple, neat and unobtrusive and meant the client could do the repositioning themselves for each month's number change. I'm pleased to say, all seven displays were delivered on time and on budget, and the client was delighted with how they looked - let the countdown begin!

Exhibition Wall Display

This large wall display is actually a 3D realization of a 2D visual that was designed by the client’s in house graphics team. They asked us to make 3D version of the image so that it could be mounted on a wall at an exhibition to act as an eye-catching focal point for their stand. Made from Perspex and other plastics, some with painted and lacquered finishes, it is almost 2.4 metres wide and makes quite a visual statement with its strong colours and curved reflections off the shiny spherical surfaces. The client has since mounted it on the wall in his reception area.