Illuminated

Illuminated Models Architectural models with integrated lighting effects

Incorporating special lighting effects can give a model an extra dimension, from general illumination within the building to uplighting, street lighting and controlled apartment-by-apartment displays.

We can build tailored lighting strategies into your model to support sales, public consultation, exhibitions or technical explanation, whether the project calls for subtle atmosphere or fully interactive illuminated zones.

Interactive Model of Cardiff

This 6.5m x 5.5m interactive model was designed for use in a permanent marketing suite to promote the city of Cardiff to national and international investors. It is a fully interactive model controlled via a large touchscreen which activates over 30 different lighting zones on the model and at the same time displays relevant information pages on the screen. The screen images are also projected onto a large screen so that the information is visible to all. The model was designed to be mobile and so far has been to three different venues including London and Cannes (these pics were taken in Cannes in 2014).

House Model for US Client

This was very technically demanding model with lots of complex curves, highly articulated elevations and multiple level changes as the building responded to the contours of the site. The architect wanted the model to reflect the different external materials so we used our top of the range laser-engravers to pick out the stonework elements, fine brick detailing and traditional shingle cladding for roof and elevations. The project was further complicated by the requirement for internal illumination — our solution was to incorporate commercial grade RGBW LEDs with remote control which allows full adjustment of colour and brightness.

Canal Side Apartments

The lighting effects on this model were a late addition to the spec when the client decided they wanted to add some extra visual impact to this, one of their main marketing tools for these apartments. Even though model was more or less finished we were able to retro-fit strategically placed LED up-lighters along the main elevations and to illuminate the undercroft parking. You can see the full model on the "1:100 Scale" pages.

Saint Petersburg Marina at 1:750 Scale

Incorporating battery powered white LEDs, all the buildings on this white styled masterplan model could be illuminated at the touch of a button. Another significant feature about this model is the high level of detail that can be achieved at this very small scale (all buildings are under 35mm tall). The model was built on a very tight schedule and shipped off to Russia (in a purpose-built flight box) to be used as the centrepiece of a major presentation.

Waterside Housing Model at 1:250 Scale

Commissioned for a Thames-side housing development in East London, at 2m x 1.4m this is a larger than usual model but the client had allowed plenty of space for it as a centrepiece of their marketing suite. The lighting effects include the option to light up four separate phases individually, controlled by the buttons visible on the front edge of the model.

CryoBattery Power Station at 1:150 Scale

Although this is very much a stylised representation of a CryoBattery power station the main purpose of the model was to illustrate the operating processes of the system which uses renewable sources to compress air in tanks which can later be used to generate power. In effect, it acts as large battery to store energy for when it is most needed. To demonstrate this we've used interactive LED lighting effects combined with strong colours to indicate the different stages of the process. The LED illumination rises slowly upwards to the top of the vessels and then gradually drops down again to represent the "filling up" and "emptying" phases of the CryoBattery system. Visit the "Interactive Models" page to see a "lights on" view of this model.

International Sports Village at 1:500 Scale

A 1:500 scale site model for the proposed international sports village in Cardiff Bay. The client wanted to combine wood, Perspex, white surfaces and bright illumination in what is essentially a concept model with the theme "Snow, ice, fire, water".

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.

Dockside Apartments at 1:200

This complex model featured six elevated apartment blocks enhanced by three independent lighting systems illuminating different aspects of the development, including an individual control for each building.

Hospital Massing Model at 1:500

Designed to illustrate the massing and general layout of a proposed major hospital extension this 1:500 scale model used illumination to differentiate between the new-build areas and the unlit existing hospital buildings.

Wales Millennium Centre at 1:200

An illuminated model of the new performing arts centre in Cardiff Bay. The model was made mostly from wood to echo the natural materials chosen for the finish of the building.

Lighting can be simple or highly interactive, so these are some of the most common questions clients ask when considering an illuminated architectural model.

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