Client: Glasgow School of Art
Year: 2015
Scale: 1:20
Model of the Mackintosh library at Glasgow School of Art. In May 2014 the Mackintosh building at the Glasgow School of Art suffered a terrible fire, resulting in the loss of the 'jewel in the crown': the Mackintosh Library. This model was commissioned for display at the art school while the process of restoration takes place.
The model showed the library space, which was over one floor plus a balcony, and the store room above, as well as the associated exterior walls. It was modelled in very fine detail, and full colour, and included the furniture originally designed for the space as well as working lights. Some of the details, such as the light shades and balcony panels, were manufactured using etched brass, and other components, such as parts of the furniture, were laser cut. However, most of the model was made and painted by hand.
The process started with a great deal of research; fortunately there are many photos of this space and some architectural drawings. The construction of the model was an incredible learning experience, as I saw close up the beautiful symmetry of the space, and the elegant, balanced structure. I also got to study the details - how each of the balcony panels was carved with a different pattern, the stonework, which from ground level is hard to appreciate.
The model was part of the tour of the Reid Building at the Glasgow School of Art.
For more models featuring historic buildings in Glasgow, check out Templeton Carpet Factory and Kingston Halls.
Client: ICA Architects
Year: 2016
Scale: 1:500
A white model showing the architect's development within the context of the Old Town of Edinburgh. Their scheme and the immediate surroundings were modelled in detail, with simpler blocks for the rest of the buildings.
The area covered by the model is complex, with a height change of over 30m between the road level on Grassmarket, and that of Royal Mile. In addition, the George IV Bridge passes over roads adjacent to the site.
This model used cork to build up the levels, clad in plastic. The buildings were made from modelboard, again, clad in plastic, some with laser cut facade detail.
For similar cityscape models, take a look at Winter St, Sheffield, Graving Docks, Glasgow and Vauxhall, London.
Client: John Dewars & Sons
Year: 2014/5
A brief-led project to design and produce a 3D showpiece diorama explaining the process of distilling whisky. Dewars approached me with the criteria that they needed something that was portable, which could be taken overseas to explain the process of making whisky to potential customers, and that would be more interesting than a slideshow.
At a visit to Aberfeldy Distillery, it was explained to me that the process broke down into 6 stages - Malting, Milling, Mashing, Fermentation, Distillation and Maturation. I designed a case with six slide-out sections, each with a model or component to describe that part of the process. Some of the sections had samples of barley or oak, and each was laser etched with further information and illustrations. The model used a variety of processes, but the overall look of the box was designed to fit in with the Dewars brand, in particular with the choice of materials: oak, leather, brass.
The Distillery Box was designed with duplicates in mind, and Dewars have since commissioned further editions.
If you have a product, story or process you’d like to communicate in 3 dimensions, we can show you how. Get in touch.
This book for Glasgow Women’s Library was also a brief-led project with a unique outcome.
Client: ICA Architects/Locate Developments
Year: 2016
Scale: 1:150
One of two models of a proposed block of student housing in Sheffield, instrumental in gaining planning permission for the scheme. This model showed the building in detail, with different material finishes illustrated. The model was built using a frosted acrylic structure, allowing light to penetrate through.
The other model was at 1:500, showing the proposed development in a wider context.
The model of Anderston Kelvingrove Church is to a similar level of detail, but in timber.
Client: 7N Architects / Kingdom Housing Association
Year: 2016
Scale: 1:500
A model in parts with inserts, showing the phased demolition and construction of a housing estate. Each of the five phases was modelled as existing and as proposed, so the pieces can be interchanged to show the progress of the development. The surrounding context was modelled using subtle shades and textures, while the proposed development was modelled using a carefully selected tonal palette. The new buildings were constructed using acrylic blocks with plywood facades.
The base of the model was also made in parts - it divided into three for ease of handling the model.
[Some images courtesy of Brendan MacNeill Photography]
For more models of housing development, see Vauxhall 1:250 and Housing Development, Aberfeldy.
Client: Glasgow Women’s Library / Panel
Year: 2017
Launched: International Women’s Day, 2018
Cut out relief model, hidden within the pages of a book. Celebrating a library with a book, a building facade page by page.
From Glasgow Women’s Library is a collection of products developed through research into the Glasgow Women's Library archive and collections, curated by Panel. Finch & Fouracre was one of the six designers and makers invited to take part.
The Bridgeton-Women’s Library Sketchbook is a representation of the transformation of one of Scotland’s Carnegie libraries into the UK’s only accredited museum dedicated to women’s lives, histories and achievements.
On opening the sketchbook, the facade of the original Bridgeton Library of 1903 is presented in relief; as the first cutout page is turned, the transformed library is revealed, in the form of the iconic extension, completed in 2015. As well as the physical transformation of the building, this also represents the idea that women’s history has always been present beneath the surface of commonly perceived histories - something that GWL has always worked towards unveiling.
The laser cut pages were cut by Flux Laser Studio, the book bound by Downie Allison Downie. It is available to buy from Glasgow Women’s Library.
We’re always interested in doing collaborative projects, and working towards unusual model projects. See Participatory Work for more details.
Client: Scotch Whisky Experience
Year: 2019
Scale: 1:22.5
A large, interactive model for display at the Scotch Whisky Experience, on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. This museum attracts a quarter of a million visitors a year who wish to learn about whisky, yet there is no distillery there. This model was commissioned by Bright 3D to bring visitors one step closer to the distillery experience.
The model shows each of the crucial six stages of distilling with lights beneath each of the relevant piece of equipment. These are operated by push buttons, and automatically fade back to ambient after 5 seconds.
Each of the distinctive pieces of equipment was modelled by hand, following extensive research into the most widespread and traditional methods of distilling. The buildings and interior layout was designed by Finch & Fouracre with assistance from Bright 3D, based on traditional Scottish distilleries. Details down to the appearance of the distillery workers was hand-crafted, to brief.
Accuracy of appearance, pipework, finish, and process was extremely important to the museum, and liaising throughout, providing photos and samples were essential to the model making process.
This project was taken from design, to build, to installation by Finch & Fouracre, the kind of Exhibition model making we love. Another model, the Distillery Box, was a project undertaken in 2014/15, shows the distilling process in a more abstract, diagrammatic way.
Client: ICA Architects
Year: 2016
Scale: 1:500
One of two models of a student housing development in Sheffield, instrumental in gaining planning permission for the scheme. This all white model showed the proposal in context of the surrounding area, including some listed buildings. It also clearly showed the dramatic height change across the surrounding area.
The other model in the series showed the proposed development in detail.
For similar models, of city layouts in white, have a look at Vauxhall and Kelvinhaugh St. For a 1:500 model in colour, see Fraser Avenue.
In 2018, Finch & Fouracre were commissioned by Renfrewshire Council to run Modelling Paisley with Scottish War Blinded, making 4 dolls houses with visually impaired veterans. The project ran once a week for 4 months, and culminated in an exhibition at Paisley Museum. The dolls houses were each based on a listed building in Paisley: The Weaver’s Cottage, 5 George Place, the Hugh Smiley Nursery, and the Janitor’s House at Paisley Grammar School. They were built at 1:12, with exterior detail as close to the original as possible, and the interiors imagined as it might have been when built.
This was very different from the usual projects here at Finch & Fouracre, and was a real joy working with the participants and developing the models. Artist educator Katie Orton joined me in running some of the sessions.
For more historical models, have a look at the Glasgow School of Art library and Fournier St.
We’re always interested in doing collaborative projects, and working towards unusual model projects. See Participatory Work for more details.
Client: Collective Architecture / Kelvingrove Anderston Church
Year: 2018
Scale: 1:100
A timber model with brass and clear acrylic detailing. The roofs of the building are removable to reveal the interior. The choice of material gives the model a simple uniform look, on a building which is fairly complex.
Commissioned by the architect on behalf of the church, this plywood model is to raise funds for the proposed renovations.
Winter Street student housing is a model at a similar scale, but in colour while see Edinburgh Academy for a 1:50 model in plywood and grey/white.
Scale: Approx 1:50
Year: 2019
A hand-cut and assembled facade model of the original building and ticket office for St Enoch Subway station in Glasgow. This is one of Glasgow’s most distinctive yet diminutive buildings, located at the foot of Buchanan Street. The framed model measures about 200 x 300mm.
This is a framed model, that can be wall hung. It is available to buy - please enquire for price. The Templeton Carpet Factory facade model is a similar style model of an iconic building in Glasgow.
Client: The Modern Institute
Year: 2018
Scale: 1:25
A timber model of a modern bothy, with laser etched detail and frosted acrylic windows. This artist model was commissioned as part of the design process, in some ways a sketch model but to a visually high standard. The site was extremely steep, and modelled in cork. While balsa is a commonly known sketch model material, we use plywood for accuracy and finish.
Check out the Graving Docks model for another job using laser-etched plywood and frosted acrylic. Just get in touch if you have a query about model finishes!
Client: LDN Architects
Year: 2019
Scale: 1:50
A mixed media sectional model representing the proposed build, in timber, and the existing, in grey, as well as other internal materials in white. Details such as trusses and louvres were important and therefore attention was taken to accurately model these.
One of the existing buildings is much older than the other, and was modelled to a level of detail to show this, without being over the top. The proposed build was modelled in plywood, with the orientation of the grain to reflect the design features, and some laser etching used to indicate curtain walling. Other features, such as the louvres and trusses, were carefully crafted by hand.
For another plywood model, see Anderston Kelvingrove Church, while Fraser Avenue is a model which uses contrasting materials to great effect.
Client: FearnMacpherson Architects
Year: 2017
Scale: 1:500
This model was for a housing development on a semi-rural site. The model was provided with loose buildings, to be repositioned as wished. This was for use as both a planning and sales tool. The palette of the model was with realistic tones, and some textures, particularly along the burn which runs down the centre of the site.
There’s many different styles and scales our Architectural models take. Another model we produced for a site close to Aberfeldy was the Highlands Landscape model.
Client: 3DReid
Year: 2016
Scale: 1:1000
One of a set of two models for a large residential development in Vauxhall, London. This 1:1000 city massing model showed the development in the wider context, with the scheme picked out in frosted acrylic. The large parks close by were shown in a pale green. The two models now hang on the wall at the 3DReid London office.
Small scale white context models can be really useful tools for planning permission. Winter Street and Edinburgh Old Town are both further examples of this.
Client: 3DReid
Year: 2016
Scale: 1:250
One in a set of 2 models showing a large residential and college development in Vauxhall, London. The model was built in a way to indicate the various materials and finishes of the buildings, as well as some of the finer details, such as balconies and the college atrium. The landscape scheme within the development was modelled, while the context beyond the site boundaries was in white block form. For planning consent and public consultation. The two models now hang on the wall at the 3DReid London office.
Read more about working with us on this kind of model here.
Client: ZM Architecture
Year: 2016
Scale: 1:1000
A timber and acrylic model, using laser cut detail. The emphasis was on the docks on Glasgow’s Clyde river, which were modelled in close detail, with colour for the heritage areas. The surrounding context was laser etched into the plywood to indicate the roads and building footprints. Proposed development was modelled in frosted acrylic, while existing key buildings are modelled in lime wood. This model was for public consultation for this historic site.
For a totally different model style at 1:1000, check out the Vauxhall, London city model. Please get in touch if you’re interested in commissioning a model.
Client: Private
Year: 2009
Scale: 1:100
A full-colour model of Kingston Halls in Tradeston, with lights in parts of the building. Historical model of an old building in Glasgow, for an architecture enthusiast. Highly detailed Victorian building, modelled accurately, for exhibit. This model was produced with a limited set of historical drawings and a site visit.
For other models celebrating historic Glasgow buildings, see Glasgow School of Art Library and Templeton Carpet Factory. For Edinburgh, check out the Edinburgh Old Town model and the National Museum of Scotland.
Client: British Gas
Year: 2015
Scale: 1:25
A brief-led project to design and produce four interactive models to communicate smart technology and energy efficiency measures in different properties. Each property was of a different style and told a different story - a traditional suburban family home, a urban apartment for young professionals, a modern house with built-in features, and a cafe/bakery to represent British Gas Business Services.
Each model used lights to highlight different features. For example, the apartment model showed Hive Active Heating, which can be operated remotely. In the model, the button was pushed, which led to a hub/thermostat on the wall blinking, followed by the radiators ‘glowing’ to represent the heating coming on. In the traditional family house, a dial could be rotated to turn on more appliances in the house, and as they did the smart meter went from green to amber to red.
Each model had two or three buttons, or a dial in the case of the family house. I used a combination of LEDs, neopixels, and electroluminescent panels and wires to create the various effects. The models each had a small programmable circuit board, Arduino, which controls the lighting sequence. The models were designed as white models, with just a highlight in blue and a simple landscape in green, to mirror British Gas colours. The models are used at their conference centre in Leicester.
Scroll to the bottom of the images to see a video of the interactive elements of the models.
There are many ways to engage with the public through models - see Exhibition Models for further info. For another interactive exhibit, see the Maglev Train for the National Museum of Scotland.
Client: Lloyd's Register/Communication by Design
Year: 2013
Collapsible trade fair exhibit, large scale model. CNC and laser engraved, this custom created model tree was exhibited at an international expo.
A brief-led commission to design and produce a tree for use at trade shows by Lloyd's Register. The tree was to show the roots of the organisation in London, to branching out throughout the world, the process of developing and adapting to new technologies.
The tree was made of birch ply, manufactured using a CNC router and laser cutter. It was made from a number of components which slotted and bolted together, for assembly on site. It stands at 3.5m tall.
For another brief-led project, see the Distillery Box. Our Exhibition Models take many forms, and each is different. We work with you from brief, through design and build, to installation.
Client: Private
Year: 2011
Scale: 1:2000
A landscape model of an area close to Loch Laggan, near Fort William. The client had a particular attachment to the area, and so it was essential to capture the various colours and textures of the site, and especially the detail of river. This included taking a site trip for photos and to get an overall impression of the area. The brief for this model was to recreate all the features of an OS map in three dimensions.
For another small scale rural Scottish landscape model, see the RSPB Loch Gruinart nature reserve. This model was a private commission. You can find out more about commissioning work from us here.
Client: Julian Harrap Architects
Year: 2016
Scale: 1:100
A highly-detailed white model of an existing house, built in the 18th century, with proposed development to the rear. The model was designed for the proposal to be inserted once finalised. The irregularity of the building was carefully replicated in the model. This building is located on Fournier Street, in Spitalfields, a site of historic significance. The detail of the model was important with such a sensitive location and development.
For another model in white of historic architecture, have a look at Edinburgh Old Town. Our Architectural Models come in many scales and finishes, just get in touch to discuss your requirements.
Client: Hoskins Architects
Year: 2018
Scale: 1:500
A simple concept sketch model to support the architects’ material for this illustrious competition. The model was pared back, with the intention of showing the concept and proportions of the proposal. The model was in laser cut plywood with acrylic detailing. The external shell lifted off to reveal some of the interior.
For other simple models in wood, see the Artist’s Bothy and West Brewery. This was a quick model, taking little over a week. For more information about the variety of work we do, have a look here.
Collaboration with Another Studio
Year: 2011
The first collaboration between Finch & Fouracre and London-based Another Studio. The brief was to develop a model kit of a Victorian style glasshouse, which could be constructed to then house a growing plant.
These kits are available from Another Studio, £25.
We then went on to collaborate on a number of other model kits, under the MONUmini label, featuring worldwide iconic architecture.
Client: Edinburgh Science Festival
Year: 2014
Scale: 1:100
A sectional model of the historical Grand Gallery at the National Museum of Scotland, displayed there as part of the Edinburgh Science Festival. The model utilised laser and CNC cutting to display the new technologies available to makers.
An older technology, acid-etched metal, was used for the balustrades, as this can produce particularly fine detail. Another model which particularly makes use of this is the Glasgow School of Art library.
Client: RSPB
Year: 2013
Scale: 1:4000
Interactive model for the RSPB Loch Gruinart Nature Reserve visitor centre on Islay. The model measured 1.3 x 1.65m, and had 9 LEDs with individual buttons to identify different locations across the reserve. The red line indicates the reserve boundary, and there are also nature trails and information about wildlife marked on the model. The loch is tidal, and illustrated by the gradation in the intensity of the colour.
For another model celebrating Scotland, see the Highland Landscape model. Another visitor centre model with push button lights is the Scotch Whisky Experience Distillery.
Client: Renfrewshire Council
Year: 2019
Scale: 1:100
Scale model of Early Learning and Childcare Centre for Renfrewshire Council. As the council’s childcare programme expands, they will be building four new centres across the local authority. These new nurseries have a focus on outdoor learning, as well as different activity zones.
The model was finished in range of painted textures and tones to reflect the build materials, and the roof was made using clear acrylic to allow viewers to see inside. As the model was primarily for parents, clear labelling was important to indicate the play and learning zones.
Client: ZM Architecture
Year: 2014
Scale: 1:200
A timber and cork scale model showing a proposed brewery in East Glasgow. The model included an acrylic section for glazing to show the brewing equipment. While balsa is common in architectural sketch modelling, we use lime wood and ply for accuracy and finish. This model included some laser etched detail.
For another simple timber sketch model, see V&A East Competition. A more complex plywood model is the Anderston Kelvingrove Church, with internal and external detail.
Collaboration with Another Studio
Year: 2012-present
A series of stainless steel, fold-together models of buildings and landmarks from across Europe. Designs include the Pompidou Centre, Barbican Tower, Tower Bridge, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Brandenburg Gate.
Each kit pops out of a single A5 sheet of steel, and folds and locks together without the need for glue. We are are available for commissions in this series.
Available from Another Studio, £15-16
The first collaboration between us and Another Studio was the beautiful Plantini, a miniature Victorian glasshouse, complete with growing plant.
Self initiated project.
Year: 2013
A facade relief model celebrating the ornate building on Glasgow Green, a unique part of Glasgow’s architecture history. All the detail is hand cut and hand painted. The model measures 600mm across. This piece is for sale, please enquire for price.
Another model celebrating Glasgow’s Victorian architecture is the Kingston Halls. These are the types of models that appeal to architecture enthusiasts. If you’re interested in commissioning work, find out how here.
Client: ICA Architects
Year: 2014
Scale: 1:2500
A white model of the Finnieston area of Glasgow. The architects site is highlighted in timber, for a development of student accommodation.
The model featured some of the most prominent buildings in Glasgow, including the Hydro, Armadillo, Science Centre and Finnieston Crane.
The model used exposed contours, and back painted acrylic for the Clyde, all in white for a striking overview of this part of Glasgow.
This client later commissioned a model of Edinburgh’s Old Town for a development there, and this type of massing models are great way of showing your proposal in context.
Client: National Museum of Scotland
Year: 2017
A renewal of the National Museum’s interactive maglev train model. I was asked to replace the existing train, using the same set up, with something more modern looking than the existing train. This involved replicating the mechanisms as well as the design and production of a new train, which shoots up and down it’s track hundreds of times a day!
I also added some background images, and included a cutaway section to show the magnets beneath the train.
For further interactive models for public display, see the Scotch Whisky Experience Distillery, and the British Gas Smart Homes. Models for exhibition purposes cover a wide range of styles, and we can take your project from brief, to design, build and installation.
Client: NORD Architecture
Year: 2007-9
Scale: 1:100 (1:200 site model)
A set of three models for NORD, showing parts of the Highland Housing Fair (also known as Scotland's Housing Expo). These models showed the modern housing development in timber with cork bases. The models were exhibited in the Lighthouse.
While balsa is thought of as a common model making material, we use lime wood and plywood for finish and accuracy. See Anderston Kelvingrove Church for another timber model, while Fraser Avenue is a model of a housing development using a tonal colour palette.
Client: Nimmo and Partners
Year: 2017
Scale: 1:500
A white model of a factory development. Though modelled just in white, particular attention was paid to the detailing on the building, as well as the levels and layout of the surrounding land. This type of model is ideal as supporting material for planning permission, communicating many aspects of the design.
For a similar model of an industrial development, but in timber, see the West Brewery model.
