Types of Architectural Scale Models: A Complete Guide for Developers & Designers
Architectural scale models remain one of the most effective tools for communicating design ideas, presenting to clients, and supporting real estate sales. Whether you’re developing a masterplan, refining a building façade, or preparing for a presentation, choosing the right type of model matters — and affects cost, timeline, and impact.
In this guide, we break down the most common types of architectural scale models, their ideal use cases, and how to choose the right one for your project.
1. Concept Models
Best for: Early design, quick visualization, massing studies
Concept models are typically simplified physical representations used in the early stages of design. These models focus on the form, massing, proportion, and spatial relationships without detailed façade elements.
Key Characteristics
Fast production
Lower cost
Minimal detail
Often monotone (white, grey, or wood tone)
Scales: 1:200, 1:300, or 1:500
Ideal For:
Developers or architects who need a fast, physical study model to validate ideas.
2. Presentation Models
Best for: Final approval, design competitions, board presentations
These are highly detailed models with refined façade textures, color treatments, glazing, landscaping, lighting, and sometimes an integrated acrylic case.
Key Characteristics
High detail
Custom materials and textures
Often includes LED lighting
Scales: 1:50, 1:75, 1:100
Ideal For:
Sales presentations, architecture competitions, investment pitches, and marketing.
3. Masterplan Models
Best for: Large-scale developments, urban design, sales galleries
Masterplan models show multiple buildings, streets, public spaces, and landscaping within one development or district. These models emphasize clarity, lighting, and viewer-friendly layout.
Key Characteristics
Large physical footprint
Varying levels of detail (hero building vs surrounding massing)
Often includes programmable LED lighting
Scales: 1:400, 1:500, 1:1000
Ideal For:
Real estate developers preparing sales galleries, city planning presentations, and large mixed-use projects.
4. Interior Detail Models
Best for: Showing interior programs, hotel rooms, retail concepts, luxury units
These showcase the interior layout, joinery, finishes, and furniture.
Key Characteristics
Often removable top or sectional cutaway
Realistic interior materials
Furniture included
Scales: 1:20, 1:25, 1:30
Ideal For:
Hospitality brands, retail rollouts, and high-end residential sales.
5. Sectional / Cutaway Models
Best for: Explaining building systems or complex interior layouts
These models slice through the building to reveal mechanical routes, room layouts, staircases, atriums, or structural systems.
Key Characteristics
Detailed internal components
Helps viewers understand complexity
Great for engineering presentations
Scales: 1:50, 1:100
Ideal For:
Complex structures like hospitals, stadiums, theaters, and public buildings.
6. Product or Façade Mock-Up Models
Best for: Showing façade materials, curtainwall systems, or modular components
Façade mock-ups replicate a portion of the building envelope at a larger scale.
Key Characteristics
Very high fidelity
Shows materials, depth, shadow lines
Scales: 1:5, 1:10, 1:20
Ideal For:
Client approval, QC inspection, and modular or prefab systems.
How to Choose the Right Model
When deciding which type of model you need, consider:
1. Goal of the presentation
Investor meeting? Competition? Sales gallery?
2. Required level of detail
Do you need realistic materials or just form and massing?
3. Space available
Large masterplan models need significant table space.
4. Timeline and budget
Higher detail = longer production = higher cost.
Final Thoughts
Architectural scale models continue to be one of the most powerful storytelling tools in the built environment. Whether you need a quick concept model or a highly detailed presentation piece, choosing the right type ensures clear communication and maximum impact.
If you’re planning a project and unsure which model type suits your needs, Carve Model can walk you through options, scales, timelines, and cost ranges.
