Small projects by Ben Taggart Modelmaking and Design

Small Projects

Discover how to commission a beautiful detailed scale model of your home, framed and ready to adorn your wall

A portrait model of your home is the ultimate in unique gifts. Every element is individually hand-made for each specific model. As well as architectural accuracy and detail, Ben Taggart’s model houses are painted and finished to create a wonderfully life-like appearance, reproducing the natural weathering and texture of the real building.

Each model is presented in a custom made box-frame, in stained tulip wood, with non-reflective glass. The model is mounted in the frame on a sheet of card, sympathetic to the colours and tones of the building itself. On the background a title can be printed with the name of the house, and any other personalised text required, along with a scale in feet or metres. The typographic printed elements will be designed to harmonise and compliment the architectural style of the house.

The challenge with using a box frame is that the depth of the model is limited to just a few millimetres so many elements of the building are foreshortened. The extent and shape of the model will be discussed in detail prior to construction and the owners can decide on how much of the house should be included. Some elements such as drainpipes can be omitted if necessary, depending on the client’s preference.

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The process usually involves a site visit and a measured architectural survey. From this a scale drawing will be produced and sent to the client. The drawing is printed out at the exact size of the proposed model so the client can make sure they are happy with the dimensions before construction begins.

Commissions take just a few weeks to complete and the average size of a finished framed portrait is about 35cm x 50cm or 14’’ x 20’’. The models are mostly made at a scale of 1:50 which means that an ordinary front door would be about 4cm or just over 1½” high.

Each project is individually priced but a Victorian family home, for example, might usually be around £2,750+vat. This is based on constructing a model from photos supplied by the client. To make sure the model is made as accurately as possible it is always best to include a site survey to measure the house. The cost of the survey, travel costs and delivery will be priced according to the location of the house.

Estimates for projects are available on request. Simply send me an email with a photo of the property and tell me the location. Please see the Prices and Options for details.