The Brief

When navigating complex urban planning applications in London, communicating spatial relationships is everything. John Stebbing Architects commissioned us to produce a large-scale contextual massing model for St Mary’s Lodge in Hackney.

The primary challenge wasn't just accuracy—it was logistics. The model needed to serve as an active tool for public consultations and local planning meetings at various stages of design development. Because it needed to travel frequently, a single massive layout was out of the question. The brief required a model that could be easily updated as designs evolved, and crucially, split down to fit comfortably into the boot of a standard large car.

The Funky Lemon Solution

To deliver a tool that was both a striking presentation piece and a highly practical asset for the architects, we focused on intentional minimalism and smart modular engineering:

• The Power of Massing: By deliberately omitting textures, material finishes, and colors, the model strips away visual noise. This minimalist approach allows planners and the public to focus purely on spatial insight, building mass, and scale—critical perspectives that are often lost on flat digital plans and elevations.

• Modular A1 Quad-System: We engineered the layout to split into four identical A1-sized quadrants. When assembled, they lock together seamlessly to form a unified, commanding presentation masterplan. When disassembled, the individual sections are perfectly manageable and transport-ready.

• Future-Proof Build: Recognizing that designs develop throughout the planning phase, the model was constructed using a precise blend of card, wood, and acrylic. This specific choice of materials ensures the model is robust enough for frequent travel, while allowing targeted sections to be cleanly updated or swapped out as the architectural plans evolve.

Model Features & Material Specifications

• Structure: High-grade 100% recycled architectural card, precision-machined timber, and laser-cut acrylic components.

• Layout: Four modular A1 interlocking base sections, designed specifically for transportability and secure boot fitting.

• Finish: Monochromatic, clean-line massing aesthetic optimized for high-end planning pitches and public consultation clarity.