Architectural - Model Makers Bristol / Amalgam Model Making

Architectural Model is a “Towering Presence” in South West

April 5, 2013

The Babbacombe Shard, an unusual architectural model As architectural models go this one is a little out of the ordinary. Amalgam's architectural model makers were recently approached to produce a four Meter high replica of Renzo Piano's famous "Shard" tower for the Babbacombe Model Village in Devon. We have previously blogged on March 18th of the installation process and also the extensive use of 100% recycled plastic sheet supplied by Ecosheet for the internal structure but it was a surprise to find the model featured in Building Design Magazine this week (5/4/13). Building Design is [the] architects' number one weekly providing industry news, comment and insight. Here's what they had to say about this unusual architectural model.... "Architect parents at a loss how to entertain their offspring over the Easter holidays could do worse than head to Babbacombe Model Village in Devon where the latest addition is a 4m miniature…

The Shard at Babbacombe Model Village

March 18, 2013

The Shard at Babbacombe Model Village was recently completed by Amalgam's Architectural model makers. We used CNC'd recycled sheet material to create the rigid weatherproof internal structure of the Shard, and semi-reflective panels to create the distinctive silver external walls and windows. The model stands 3.5 metres tall. The Shard is fully illuminated, and features a rotating camera set into its apex to capture a full panoramic view of Babbacombe Model Village. The Shard model features as the centrepiece for Babbacombe's Easter evening event, 'Illuminations,' with the entire model village lit by lasers and thousands of internal lights in the windows, car headlights and streetlamps of the model village.

Model making and Prototyping – Cost versus Value for money

March 11, 2013

Model making and Prototyping clients often ask…

“Why is model making and prototyping so expensive?”

I have to admit, I can see their point.

Weston Williamson receive recognition for Miami Metromover Station

March 7, 2013

Miami Metromover Station, designed by Weston Williamson, has recently been awarded a Special Judges’ Recognition at the 2013 MIPIM Architectural Review Future Project Awards. The Amalgam architectural model making team built an intricate model of the Metromover station, which can be viewed here. Read the full Weston Williamson article on the Miami Metromover Station at - https://www.westonwilliamson.com/news.

Hammerson and Westfield announce £1 billion Croydon redevelopment project

February 14, 2013

Developers Hammerson and Westfield have reached a joint venture agreement and are set to begin a massive redevelopment of the Whitgift Centre in Croydon. Following the announcement, other development proposals began to flood in, making the announcement a 'tipping point' in the Council's efforts to revitalise the area. Following the 2011 summer riots, the council landed £23 million from the Greater London Authority to fund regeneration schemes. Croydon has a legacy of failed regeneration and the £1 billion joint venture promises to be the beginning of a process which will see the creation of new retail centres, leisure and public spaces, and over 7000 new homes in Croydon's centre. Firms involved include Studio Egret West, Allies and Morrison and HawkinsBrown.

New Architectural Model for 3bd Architecture + Design

January 22, 2013

Amalgam model makers have recently finished a 1:1000 model for 3bd architecture + design, an international firm with offices in vibrant Stokes Croft. Small, simple conceptual models such as this one can often be more effective and economic than larger high-detail builds, since they focus on overall forms and the relationships between buildings. The scope and content of the project will remain undisclosed until further notice; to see more of their work head to www.3bd.co.uk

Architecture Centre Olympic Exhibition

January 22, 2013

The Architecture Centre on Bristol's waterfront is presenting an exhibition of some of the architectural models used for last year's Olympic Games, notably the London 2012 Olympic Stadium by Populous, London Aquatics Centre by Zaha Hadid Architects, London 2012 Velodrome by Hopkins Architects and The Copper Box (Handball Arena) by Make Architects. The exhibition also explores the lasting impact of the games and their architecture on the social and economic landscape, and how these structures are to be sustained. The exhibition runs from Wednesday 8th Jan to Sunday 7 April, and is a fantastic opportunity to see the models used in the process of creating modern icons. Head to http://www.architecturecentre.co.uk/exhibitions-after-the-party to find out more.

Olympic Torch arrives at Amalgam

January 17, 2013

Last week the Amalgam team were very excited to receive a 2012 Olympic Torch which has been donated by one of the Torch relay participants to be displayed at the EDF Dungeness Visitor Centre. Amalgam have been collaborating with EDF over the last year to design and build the Visitor Centres and Interactives for all of their power stations, and we are currently designing and building a display stand for the iconic aluminium 2012 Torch.

Centre for Sustainable Energy Models

December 21, 2012

The Centre for Sustainable Energy has come back for another set of our engaging home insulation displays. This is the 14th set we have made, a total of 42 models. The models are 1:2 scale sections of internal, external and cavity wall insulation, and effectively illustrate how to better insulate one's home and reduce energy bills. Small, chunky, portable and cheap models like this can be an invaluable asset when selling products and services of any kind; having something tactile, physical and engaging is an immediate talking point for potential clients.

CNC Recycled Sheet Materials

December 13, 2012

Recently we have been experimenting with a sheet material made from 100% recycled plastic. The material is responsive to CNC routing and can be cut into panels on our new machine - it has already made its way into an architectural project which we will announce in the new year. It offers an alternative to plywood or MDF, and being fully recyclable, any waste and offcuts can be returned to the manufacturer. We are always on the lookout for new materials with new properties, particularly those that are recycled or sustainably sourced. Head to http://www.ecosheet.com/ to find out more.