Make Workshop

1:500 Scale models

1:500 Scale models

1:500 Architectural models can be sculptural or highly detailed expressions depending on the design, materials and the desired techniques used. This journal aims to highlight some opportunities when working at this tiny scale.

Timber Architectural Competition model at 1:200 for Chrofi

1:500 timber models

When making 1:500 timber models we use varied techniques such as CNC milling, manual cutting, using blades, ban saws and laser cutting. Each of these model making techniques generate different expressions for both the form and the surface treatment translating architectural details differently. The CNC is amazing for burn free cutting, 3D carving of forms that are more sculptural and for site models but its not appropriate for many finer detail works at this scale as the elements are too small.

Wining Green Sqaure precinct competition model For Smart and COAP at 1:500
Wining Green Sqaure precinct competition model For Smart and COAP at 1:500

Smart Design Studio & Co-AP’s design for Green square uses CNC milling and hand assembly to craft formal representations of the designs that then slot into a reusable context model. The entire model is made of Solid wood.

Timber Presentation Model for Eoahghan Lewis Architects at 1:500
Timber Presentation Model for Eoahghan Lewis Architects at 1:500

Competition Model for Neeson Murcutt at 1-500 showing Cotteslow Beach Pavilion
Competition Model for Neeson Murcutt at 1-500 showing Cotteslow Beach Pavilion
Architectural Compeition Model at 1:500 for the Parramatta Pool Competion by Grimshaw and Andrew Burges
Architectural Compeition Model at 1:500 for the Parramatta Pool Competion by Grimshaw and Andrew Burges
Architectural Compeition Model at 1:500 for the Parramatta Pool Competion by Grimshaw and Andrew Burges

Grimshaw & Andrew Burges design for Parramatta Pool uses a combination of CNC milling and laser cutting to represent building components and pools that are sunken under the landscape. Robust site elements were CNC milled while the model delicate pieces were laser cut and assembled by hand.

1:500 Timber and Acrylic models

Presentation Model for Architectus at 1:500 of Maqaurie University Health
Presentation Model for Architectus at 1:500 of Maqaurie University Health
Timber Competition Model at 1:500
Timber Competition Model at 1:500

Grimshaw + Smart Design Studio + Panov Scott, 338 Pitt Street uses solid mahogany that has been hand carved, laser cut and assembled. A shimmery acrylic facade was used to express the louvered glazing wall on either side of the building’s design.

Competition model for BVN and Shop at 1-500
Competition model for BVN and Shop at 1-500

Winning Competition entry for BVN and SHOP Architects uses mixed timber and acrylic materials. We utilize rapid fabrication techniques such as resin 3D printing, CNC machined timber and laser cutting.

Compeition Model for Crone amd Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates at 1-500 using white acrylic tower depicting 338 Pitt Street
Compeition Model for Crone amd Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates at 1-500 using white acrylic tower depicting 338 Pitt Street
Compeition Model for Crone amd Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates at 1-500 using white acrylic tower depicting 338 Pitt Street

This 1:500 Competition model for CRONE + Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates boasts a delicate facade on both the podium and tower. Acrylic floor to floor construction was used with fine paper details and a sleeve like facade system was applied to the the lower levels. The model would slot in and out of a larger site model.

CO-AP’s circular designed form was constructed using resin which was frosted to represent the curtain like skin that in reality, comes alive at dusk with projections and lighting techniques. A solid timber base was carved for CO-AP well before the design was finalized so that the team could test various iterations of the pavilion before locking in the final design which we then molded and fit to the existing base.

1:500 Acrylic Models

Acrylic site models can be lightweight and robust. The surface finish is smooth and can be painted to the desired effect which makes it a versatile material to use. Architecture designs that are made using acrylic fabrication techniques can express a high level of detail when 3D printed or communicate transparent qualities for glazing elements when using acrylics. Similar levels of details can be achieved when combining 3D printing with laser cut techniques for intricate facade systems..

Architectural scale model for City of Sydney for Smart Design studio.