Landscape

Landscape Models & Topography Models Large-area masterplans and site-wide terrain studies

Our expert model makers create bespoke masterplan models and topographical landscape models to depict very large areas, often at scales around 1:1000 where 1mm represents 1 metre.

At these smaller scales the detail is more selective, but we can still create highly informative landscape models that explain topography, infrastructure, screening, planning proposals and the relationship between key buildings and the wider site.

Power Station Site Model at 1:1000 Scale

Featuring the site of a gas-fired power station on the Pembrokeshire coast, this large topographical model was built at 1:1000 scale which is an ideal scale option for a large spread-out site. At this scale, 1 millimetre represents 1 metre — so a 2km long site fits onto a 2m long base, which is big but still manageable as long as you have space in your marketing suite. Even though the scale is small, it still allows us to show a recognisable level of detail for any important buildings whilst any surrounding context buildings can be shown as massing blocks which helps to keep costs down.

Model for Public Consultation

This 2.5m x 2.5m model was commissioned as part of a public consultation process for a proposed development just off the M1. Comprising 6 A0 sized sections, the purpose of the model was to demonstrate how high embankments and landscaping around the site would screen it from surrounding villages. For this reason it was important that the proposed on-site levels and surrounding topography were all accurately recreated. The buildings are only shown as massing blocks due to the small scale (1:1250).

Tomb Models for Heritage Centre

The Maghera Heritage Centre in Northern Ireland commissioned us to create these unusual models of local megalithic tomb structures. It was a technically challenging project because it was important that the stones were accurately shaped and positioned and had a realistic looking finish. We also had to make sure that the landscaped setting looked convincing and didn't detract from the realistic appearance of the stones. The client was very pleased with the finished models and it was very enjoyable for us to apply our architectural model making skills to some very different types of man-made structures. A year later they came back to us for three further models.

Cardiff Bay Marketing Model

Built to illustrate the proposed scale of several major development areas in a prime waterside location, this model used illumination to highlight the key sites in the project. Each of 11 different plots can be illuminated individually at the touch of a button. Even at 1:1000 scale, this model is 6 metres long by 5 metres wide and had to be built in 8 sections so that it could be transported and set up at different locations.

Redevelopment Area Planning Model

We've made several models for local government-backed redevelopment areas, and this was the third such project in the last couple of years. Winning all of them through a strict tendering process, we had to demonstrate that we could deliver outstanding quality at a competitive price. This small scale model was used to illustrate the masterplan for the proposed redevelopment of a huge decommissioned steelworks site.

Water Management Educational Model

This interactive model was commissioned by the NFU as a visual demonstration to farmers of good water management practices on their land. The model shows two different catchments, one illustrating a high risk landscape with poor farming practices and the other showing a low risk landscape where the delivery of good practice minimises risks. The buttons on the front of the model activate LEDs set in the landscape to highlight different aspects of land management practice.

Llanelli Waterside Masterplan

Commissioned by the Welsh Assembly Government through an exhaustive tendering process, this model's purpose was to illustrate the new infrastructure and planning proposals for a major new development area in the docks and coastal fringes of Llanelli, South Wales. The model showed new road links, new residential areas, and commercial development areas. It also used button-activated fibre optic lighting to highlight six different development zones.

Tidal Lagoons Models

After completing these two white styled models of the Swansea Lagoons tidal energy project, we were surprised to discover they had been the focal point for a presentation to the Prime Minister David Cameron (apparently they couldn't tell us beforehand for security reasons). The models are both at 1:1000 scale and show two different areas of the proposed lagoon structure. If you click on the images to enlarge them you'll see that even at this small scale (1mm represents 1 metre) we can show a high level of detail.

LNG Gas Terminal

A landform model created for an exhibition explaining a major redevelopment of a disused refinery site on the West Wales coastline.

White School Model

A very small scale model that still gives a clear reading of roofscape, massing and the way a group of school buildings sits within the wider site.

Planning Model for Housing

This model used interchangeable central sections to compare existing industrial buildings with a proposed new housing development.

If you're planning a topographical, consultation or masterplan model, these are some of the questions we are most often asked before a project gets underway.

See all FAQs