Design and build a structure that represents the house you were born in, or a house located in your favorite city, town, rural setting, or a beach hut. Or build a fantasy, futuristic or dream house. I challenge you to be a model builder as a new hobby or career challenge.
This type of model building is known as architectural model building.
The value of making a model of a structure is to present a visual and tactile scene of a structure. Architects build models of structures to help clients see the final product before actual construction begins.
Yes, there are computer programs that help to visualize the house, but it is different when you build a physical model from knowledge, creativity, imagination, knowledge and expert hands.
Model building materials and tools
The least expensive method is to use cardstock and craft paper. Cardstock is flexible, but as it is attached with paste or glue, the structure will strengthen. Craft paper with patterns of tiles, bricks, stone, wood strips, and other textures is a shortcut for adding realistic texture in, on, and around the structure.
A pair of scissors, a craft knife or scalpel, a metal ruler, paste or glue, cutting mat, pencil, and paint will be the minimum tools required. If you want, you can invest in an architectural scale to help calculate the scale and dimensions of the model in case you decide to build models normally.
construction steps
- house plan
- floor
- Walls
- ceiling
- finishing keys
house plan
Make a copy of the actual plans for the house. Decide on the scale. For example, an inch can represent a foot. The scale has a lot to do with the size of the finished product and the display area.
After determining the scale, draw or trace the plans, label, and then cut the section. Precisely cut one measured piece at a time and position directly on the floor plan to prevent errors and ensure the building will stand firm and strong. The floor plan will either produce the house as a final product or place the floor plan on a platform that will allow for landscaping display.
Interior and Exterior Decoration
Using the floor plan and a picture or photo of the finished home will help you choose printed designs of wood, tile, or rugs to place on the floor as you move from room to room.
Walls that have windows can be depicted with cellophane, a window pattern, curtains, or a flowered sill. Craft paper with brick, stone, wood, or siding for exterior walls can be glued to the cardstock cutouts as you assemble the pieces. Most supplies can be found at a craft store or hobbyist model store.
Floors and Roof
Additional floors will be needed if the house is a two-story building. The house may or may not have a basement or an attic. This is the importance of having a house plan.
The roof is the jewel in the crown. Craft paper can be used to represent shingles or other roof finishing options.