Our Architectural Models

Architects Cabin

A set of miniature houses made from offcuts of obeche timber and cardboard. The contrast in materials identify the proposed individual roofscapes. Made to a scale of 1:100.

The project Architects Cabin can be viewed here.

Arium Festival Installation

For the structure of this model we used painted white timber to uphold the colourful spectrum of card. The strength of the wood allows for a delicate extension of the canopy that gives the splayed effect and allows for the carrousel to move up and down via the central column. The choice of colours and tones were deliberated over and chosen based on their intensive impact and radial spectrum when in motion. Because of its delicate and top heavy weight, the base consists of several anchor points that sit high enough to support the canopy above.

The project Arium Festival Installation can be viewed here.

Reflection Swing, Cambridge

To represent the complexity of this architectural model we used a thick card which was cut into a variety of shapes and held together with adhesive. The canopy sits on two mirror columns which introduce reflectivity to the model, alluding to the depth of the architecture above. A horizontal pole connects the mirrors and provides scale by allowing the seat to swing in motion.

The project Reflection Swing, Cambridge, can be viewed here.

Aperture Terrace, Cambridge

A concrete cast model forms the backdrop for the architectural intervention of the new door and window surrounds. We used a red brick dye to get the colour and cast our form in a foamboard mould. By vibrating the mould it allowed us to remove any air bubbles and created a smooth but textured surface for the façade.

Additional casting of the small scale bricks were made at 1:100 and helped contribute to the design process of the new brickwork layout creating a tactile and moveable component when discussing proposals with the client.

The project Aperture Terrace, Cambridge, can be viewed here.

Openclosure Pavilion, London

To make this model we used the laser cutter to accurately cut each piece of card to the 1:100 scale required. The interlocking complexity was achieved by using a strong oiled manilla card which holds its form due to its waxed finish and allows small clean cuts. These cuts were important and required a minimum tolerance to interlock the small pieces together through forced pressure, avoiding the use of glue. The base, door and window outlines are made from white card to show a contrast to the main elements. By combining these materials in such a way, we were able to demonstrate the elegant form and lightness to the structure when viewed at various angles.

The project Openclosure Pavilion, London, can be viewed here.

Lemon Gallery, London

Texture was a key part of what we wanted this model to express. It can be split into three sections, the door, side wall and lintel. For the former we used a maple wood to outline the door and window surrounds which was glued together. The pivot door is a separate item and allows the client to interact, swinging the door in motion. For the latter we cast a concrete form in a foamboard mould laying a textured curved base to create the fluted imprint and sanding the raw cast lintel to expose a rough natural texture above. Materials work in contrast but form a warm tone to the finished piece.

The project Lemon Gallery, London, can be viewed here.

Lea Visitors Centre, Cambridgeshire

Cast concrete and timber model to show the repetition of the arches in the proposed architecture. We used a foamboard mould combined with curved plastic to make the shape of the arch. Great care was required to maintain the thin profile around the curved edge and we opted for a sanded finish to the base to reveal the grit and texture of the material. The lighter columns are made from several layers of timber to achieve the change in depth and demonstrate the façade in profile.

The project Lea Visitors Centre, Cambridgeshire, can be viewed here.

Char House Extension, Cambridge

A series of models to show the proposed façade. Small sheets of timber were individually cut to the size of the cladding. Each piece was painted black before applying them to the model to get the effect of the charred cladding. Perforations such as the windows and doors are outlined in the unfinished timber and glued together.

The use of an individual flat façade helps to both isolate the elevation when composing the initial form, and to compare the continuing sightlines that run throughout.

The project Char House Extension, Cambridge, can be viewed here.

Calico Garden Studio, Cambridge

For this model we used card, timber and concrete. The outline of the timber window and use of the angled fillet enforce the intervention between the contrasting materials. The smoother wall finish is constructed of card and surrounds the window. For the base we made a foamboard cast and used curved plastic to form the fluted imprints. The use of concrete also helps to form a sturdy base allowing the model to stand upright.

The use of angles and variation in depths on this model helps us to show how light can enter the studio at different times of the day and provides a more tactile option when presenting as opposed to computer modelling.

The project Calico Garden Studio, Cambridge, can be viewed here.

Stack Victorian House Extension, Cambridge

The proposal for stack was quite a small intervention but required a high level of detailed exploration, and in turn inspired us to create a 1:10 scale model of our proposal. The architectural form has been kept simple with vertical bricks on top of a cast concrete base. Both were cast in foamboard, adding red dye to the bricks. Modelling to this scale gave us the opportunity to explore the internal layout of the plywood joints, worktop and its relationship with the frameless glass window.

Casting individual elements allow us to move objects around informing us of the materials natural malleability and aiding in our design decisions. The model can be dismantled and split into each materials component.

The project Stack Victorian House Extension, Cambridge, can be viewed here.