Architecture Model Making Tutorial (Using a Real Project)

Follow along as I build a small architectural model for a residential project currently in design in my studio. You’ll learn how I plan it, see the process for constructing it and learn how I use it as an iterative design tool.
Topics covered:
• How to transfer the design to the site model (see part 1 for the site build)
• Floor construction
• Wall construction
• Roof construction
• Foundation + site integration
• Adding details
• Landscape elements
• Modifications
Materials: I use basswood for many of my models because it’s dimensionally stable, easy to cut, takes paint and has a thickness that’s appropriate for the scale I’m working with (3/32” = 1’-0”). To fasten the pieces I use a combination of hot glue and white glue. The hot glue is used more for connections which are concealed and don’t require a high degree of precision. I use white glue for components that may need to be repositioned after they’re set in place, ones that are tiny or fragile, and for parts of the model that are subject to close visual scrutiny. White glue takes longer to set but it has a more polished finished appearance.
When you build a model you’re forced to confront reality in a way. You can’t ignore the topography, the foundation, or the structure. The elevations and the plans all line up in three dimensional space and then you'll begin the editing process. I find the act of building models immensely satisfying, not only because at the end of it I'm left with a tangible object, but also because it surfaces what’s most important in the design. The model will always show me the weak points of my work and that enables me to take the necessary next steps toward improving the design.
TRY MY ONLINE COURSE:
Enjoy my teaching style? thirtybyforty.com/a-e-course
DIGITAL DRAWING TEMPLATES:
* AutoCAD: thirtybyforty.com/autocad-temp...
* REVIT: thirtybyforty.com/revit-template
ARCHITECT'S TOOLKIT:
* Architect + Entrepreneur Startup Toolkit: thirtybyforty.com/SPL
ARCHITECTURE ESSENTIAL TOOLS:
* thirtybyforty.com/archi-gear
MODEL MAKING TOOLS + MATERIALS:
* thirtybyforty.com/blog/archit...
PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR:
* thirtybyforty.com/my-photo-gear
ALL MY GEAR (UPDATED LIST):
*thirtybyforty.com/kit
#architecturemodel #architect #architecturetutorial

[@30by40]

Links to all the resources in the video here: thirtybyforty.com/blog/model-build-outpost-project

[@y.a.pthered]

if this series continues to record the complete construction of the Outpost it might become the most valuable recourse for students and practicing architects alike

[@lila22798]

I found your channel only last week and I have really been enjoying this series! As a third year architecture student I have found your videos have been a great help in finding my feet in the subject, so all I want to say is THANK YOU! :)

[@NuvoVision]

Man...i really, really enjoy these videos. Model making is one of those hidden hobbies that i have always been facilitated by... and to find this channel where you actaully teach us the ways is amazing. Thanks for the content!🙏

[@Suchatool98]

Eric as an architectural design major in college its great to see your videos. It allows me to see how models are built and I can then use your video as a supplementary reasource for my education. Thank you for th content and keep it up.

[@cdmontano]

Your channel is PURE GOLD. Thanks from Costa Rica.

[@bronsongraff]

Watching here from Portland (OR not ME). So well done, Eric. You're a natural. I've been in the biz, doing much larger scope work, for more than 20 years and get really inspired watching your content. Takes me back to the roots of why I have been drawn to Architecture since my youth.

[@brunocosta4889]

I am overwhelmed by the fantastic world of architecture you share with your channel! So many things to learn! I have been a fan and subscriber since January and I am inspired by your work. You rock, Eric. Bruno

[@corivian]

Oeh i got my first maquette assignment in a few weeks, this will def help 👌🏻

[@jadzliteral6509]

This channel, I got to say, is a top tier channel about architecture and design you will ever find in yt.

[@buraksabuncu3023]

I am the architect but I changed email and you always keep me motivated thank u so much yesssssssa a new video. 🙏🙏🙏👍👍

[@gagesmith9731]

Eric, as always your content leaves me feeling such a clear creativity and whimsy. I wish you made more.. you leave me wanting to study architecture every time.

[@30by40]

appreciate the kind words...! cheers...

[@kashyapKbandi]

Wow ! I am not a architecture student / professional. I am really impressed by the way the whole architecture career and work is explained from your perspective. I hope you would be adding more and more videos on the channel , I believe I've seen every video of yours.

[@annakurse2650]

This series is the most inspiring thing I've watched in a long time. Even tho it's hard real life work, they still are made keeping the usual channel design and calm atmosphere!

[@KartickePant]

Pause at 11:52 for a smooth transition between Actual site and the model... 😮👏

[@victorhugoeh974]

🤯it looks awesome that way!

[@Alisnotboring]

As an Interior Architecture student in London your channel is priceless for tips and tricks. Thank you!!

[@30by40]

cheers...I'll be visiting london in a few weeks...looking forward to it!

[@robertrusso5525]

Eric, I think even as a model the house really feels like it's part of the site, organically growing among the trees. Beautiful work. I can't wait for the finished product. It's going to be spectacular.

[@30by40]

Well said...appreciate that!

[@CodingPhase]

I freaking love this channel

[@richardsprow3418]

Very clear and useful explanation of study model vs later presentation model with every detail. Besides being hands on exploration of ideas by designer, clients will engage with movable part study model more than they could with drawings.

[@chillydoog]

I'm excited to follow your work as I start my M.Arch program. Really high-quality production on this video. Well shot and grat camera angles!

[@prideandrade1667]

One of the best videos on KZbin for sure

[@serradojapi]

The last cut was the best one. You said more in 10 min then my model teacher in one semester!

[@gabriellima1188]

I love how you represent the trees

[@ExcelBlades]

This is amazing! Thank you so much for using our tools, we hope you loved them!

[@mamimopokopoko3989]

Your idea of modeling really inspire me to have more creative for my models, and I hope that you can make more video about new construction concept of models

[@ketyaboramidina8500]

Great job, thanks for always being inspired.

[@smuludgn]

This is BEAUTIFUL!

[@mariaore1379]

So precise, when I need it

[@rogerhines4368]

Amazing video as always, keep doing what your doing, which is inspiring us all to be better. Thank you 😊

[@30by40]

Thank you Roger...likewise...!

[@TheProPokemonPlayer]

Awesome! Even your study models look like final presentation models!

[@whyhelloproductions]

I am so inspired by you! I have been watching your videos for some time now. I am from Maine as well, and attend Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston! I wanted to reach out mainly because, I have a passion for filmmaking as well, and I am in awe that you have found a way to combine the two.

[@crisb-c3083]

I love your the model making videos. They are extremely helpful because you also show the process, but I would like to see a construction model making video.

[@orishejuukuedojor2736]

Thanks for sharing Eric.

[@bronwynhenry2785]

a video demonstrating how to create a more complex post-beam structure would be amazing. How to keep intersections in all three planes aligned is something very hard to do, as well as any tips for keeping the posts straight vertically!

[@aracelliclaudio96]

It is so well explained! Awesome work , greetings from Peru :)

[@tyronebunyon7254]

Beautiful.

[@shiveingekalili5909]

Great staff. I love this.😀

[@ModernMountainLiving]

The Extra Mile in both your models and videos. I almost reached out to see when we could get an update. Thanks

[@30by40]

Thanks for stopping by Tim...I see the cabin design is coming along...nice materials...

[@sanamabdulsalam7852]

The materials.. luk soooo awesome the model its so beautiful..

[@imadasmone8915]

It's been a while.. glad to see a new video.... 😊

[@wayneparker1235]

Awesome Eric! That screened feels like it needs to be pulled further along and the timber deck extended. Would also be cool if the screened porch responded more to the contours and wasn't orthogonal with the rest of the building composition. Of course I don't know the full detail of your project so pls disregard! Makes me want to pull out my cutting knife and balsa wood!

[@DamianLewd]

He got his screened porch 🙌🏽

[@beneveritt2720]

I currently just started working in practice. during University there was so much emphasis on learning digital tools, and looking back I'm kicking myself for not making enough physical models

[@Aufarihaydan]

Beautiful work

[@leo_martinez8330]

Hello from Argentina 🇦🇷🇺🇸

[@ma7rous87]

Thank you, very useful

[@edgarteran1366]

As always a very insightful video about your process, thanks for sharing quality content, please consider making a similar video about 3D printers or a combination between technics

[@jj_vinet]

Great work.

[@holland141]

Excellent and inspiring. Quick question. Will you be posting pictures of the actual project as it progresses. It will be interesting to see how the final build relates to these initial ideas.....

[@duneshthrikawala8812]

hi eric fabulous work!!!!.

[@Balem_C]

just thank you!

[@dylanbrown3090]

Your study models are better than my presentation models

[@shobithaacharya6255]

Thank you so much

[@Ffikrihamzah]

i like your video!!!

[@pat_makes_stuff]

you should try using Cyanoacrylate glue + activator spray for gluing small pieces quickly, works just as well as white wood glue but much quicker.

[@pekesrepose7363]

keep evolving your mediums and tech. your getting closer. still overworking to get the "organic" realism your aiming for. I love the direction your going though. keep up the good work.

[@godknows4454]

Amazing

[@Dev1nci]

I did watch yet but I just came to like 😁

[@uratau1003]

great! thank you :)

[@gelarjuventini]

It's cool

[@ghostchief4767]

More videos like this plz

[@wongxiao8547]

it was amazing! I was wondering how do we make models for organic and curve architecture? I haven't found tutorials on that. Any tips or do you plan to make a content on it?

[@devdevthrills]

Hey question for you! I've been watching some of your modeling stuff and getting going and practicing. I'm wanting to get into modeling a wooden roller coaster. Any thoughts on best type of wood from not only a structural but aesthetic look as well? Love your content!

[@kurtbebanco135]

Nice video 👍👍

[@arjenvanrenssen6826]

Absolutely incredible job Eric. I am a first yeararchitecture student actually struggling with this exact problem of study model building. Just one question. Is there another name for bass wood??

[@petersh4587]

May I ask where you store these models once finished? Is it thrown out or recycled? Great video Eric!

[@saddamhossain-bu9jz]

It is a rely good expresses

[@michellewagensberg8690]

From the clients' perspective, do you see a benefit in a physical model over a digital 3D model? (learning so much from your videos-thank you!)

[@DavidFerguson62]

Great video. Do you always build a model or only if the client(s) request and or pay for one? I worked at a firm that usually built models if the client(s) were willing to pay for it.

[@litoboy5]

COOL

[@abk9522]

After a Long Time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@sherylkasak6762]

super lovely video, what scale is the model?

[@tanyachapman7925]

Loving your videos! Question... I've noticed in some of your videos books in the background. What are some books you might suggest an architectural student might invest in that you think are must haves?

[@30by40]

Hey there...book suggestions (+ other resources) can be found here: thirtybyforty.com/resources

[@03214360964]

nice

[@rifqizahra7840]

After you build your 3d models and do what you need to do with it, what did you do with it? Did you throw it away? Or you kept it somewhere? I asked you this question because I'm running out of storage to store my models. I'm not sure if I should throw it all away or keep it because it took me a long time and a lot of effort to build it.

[@jasenjahn]

Do you bounce back and forth between real models and 3D models? I find that simple drafts in sketchup/cad is getting is easier to make creative decisions.

[@MaloryAnderson122001]

How do you stay inspired and continue to design in different ways? And what do you think is the best way I can get my foot in the door in the architecture industry before a degree?(I am going to be in my first year of college next fall)

[@drewvera86]

that shot at 11:52 oof...made me think you could easily photoshop the study model onto the site!

[@yonatanmolina4340]

Your VIDEOS have been very helpful, so they contain subtitles in Spanish, but lately there are videos that do not contain these subtitles. keep uploading videos with subtitles, to understand them much better since I don't understand English very well thanks.

[@30by40]

All subtitles are contributed by the community (as I don't know Spanish), if you'd like to help translate I'd be most grateful!

[@deadcorpse12]

Is the contour model (cork) glued together? Or is there a method wherein you make it still manipulatable for modification? Really nice video. Definitely going to use this for class next semester.

[@30by40]

No glue (except for the top few layers + small pieces)...screws every 2" or so...I discuss in the video...

[@johnferraz6417]

Great insight into our 'world'. There is always an opportunity to share our process and intent with the use of physical concept models. Sadly...more of this craft needs to be taught much earlier...lts tactile nature brings everyone closer to understanding the intensity required to becoming...an Architect. John Fetraz Architect

[@skaphie]

Will you be using any laser cutting?

[@GHovsepyan]

Mr.Eric, what program is the best one for you Revit or AutoCad?

[@uzairshoukat9010]

Amazing work. Can you suggest me any other material than cork for contours? its way too much expensive here. thanks.

[@30by40]

check this video for other options: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jmnYZK2eebp3sKc

[@simmonslucas]

I wonder what your feelings about digital model vs actual models.

[@solokalkatiri9535]

Hi Eric, when is the new video coming on? Normally what is your schedule for the videos, is it once a month? Keep up the nice work. very inspiring.

[@30by40]

Trying to get back into a regular schedule...thanks for your patience... YT's algorithm has been punishing lately...tons of work to make these vids...and then...crickets...

[@solokalkatiri9535]

@@30by40 Yes I saw the new terms and agreements from KZbin, all the effort putting in your videos the algorithm does not help it. But I think your channel is the only YT channel for architecture with some actually practical content, at least is the only one that I have found and really went through and enjoyed it. Thanks for the reply. Hope to see your next video. Cheers

[@yanwei3243]

What material are those? I need something that is as clean as that haha

[@michaelmartin5453]

What do you do with all that stuff when the project is over?

[@jesusosuna8769]

7th, waiting

[@unnecessaryfckp347]

what song do you use in this video?

[@Bruwade]

Eric, do you know the process of joining Disney as an architect?

[@BearwiththeArchitect]

Model making is as important as sketching

[@maxroman1143]

I used to love architecture, but I lost my motivation any tips? I don’t know what else I would like to do...

[@yaku_oz]

Just think about building a House for yourself where you can live with your family in ;) but you need to have a good capital !

[@FranciscoHernandez-cu2zu]

Is it ok to make a model on computer

[@bethanyhoffer7446]

I see you use hot glue, is there any other glue you recommend because my professor's are not a fan of it

[@bethanyhoffer7446]

(That dries faster than white glue)

[@rogerwilco8146]

I do this for fun all the time. I have for a long time. Is this something i can make income with?

[@sheliariadi]

How did u make the topography?

[@30by40]

Here's the video I made about it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKSto3eJmLhokKs

[@thlee3]

You could easily pivot into no talking asmr builds

[@zazzenfuk]

I know this is 3 years old. But man how much do you spend on cork boards!?

[@30by40]

this is underlayment (super inexpensive), details here: thirtybyforty.com/blog/model-build-outpost-project also, this was 100% reimbursable / professional billable work!

[@everet8590]

Q: Wouldn't using VR, a CNC cutter and a 3D printer be quicker?

[@30by40]

Not for me, I don't have any of those things! There's immense value in the process of iterative design + thinking with your hands...

[@kartikkhokhar2266]

Thank you sir for making such kind of videos they are really helpful for students like me they are very useful for knowledge and exposure

[@everet8590]

@@30by40 What if 3D printing gets faster and retains a good quality? Do you think we'll ever get to a point where the same amount of iterative design can be achieved digitally?

[@brandonshearin9999]

​@@everet8590 Just thought I'd give my opinion in hopes that Eric will soon too reply. 3D printing will inevitably get faster, and quality will no doubt increase. The same amount of iterative process can perhaps already be achieved via 3D modeling without even printing and yes you can print many versions of a model. However, I feel as though there is a great benefit to analog feedback that occurs during the process of hand modeling that computer clicking simply doesn't provide. Your mind, eyes and hands are all working simultaneously and the creation of a tangible object that you can "orbit" in real life is far more satisfying than clicking print and waiting for an object to be rendered often times in a single-color lacking materiality and depth. There are benefits to both methods and perhaps there is a balance that can be made between the two. But simply using one tool to create architecture is not architecture in my opinion. In school we are taught many different tools to use in the process (The process is what makes it architecture). Without the process it's just a building copy and pasted onto a site. I would love to hear Eric's thoughts though too! :) Thanks for the great questions!