Overseas experience has shown that by using physical 3D models, architects can cut construction costs by somewhere between 3% and 8%. This is achieved by better communication between the architect, the client, the contractors and the regulatory authorities. The savings are achieved in the area of time, labour and materials.

Errors, misunderstandings and poor decision making is reduced, simply because all parties are seeing how the finished project is meant to look and this occurs very early in the process, saving on time and money. The value of these physical 3D models becomes even more important when dealing with difficult sites.

Physical 3D models can be produced in a modular format, which can be a real benefit as it allows for different configurations to be tried, before settling on the best outcome for all parties.

The modular format can also be very useful for situations where portability is important. The whole model can be divided into easily transportable components, and then reassembled at the other end. This benefit can be vital where the project is at a different location to either the client or the architect.

In any project, speed is an essential element and physical 3D models can play their part in helping to shorten the time to market. Your model or models can be produced in as little as 1 to 2 weeks, so you can produce a model at different stages of the preliminary design. The extra costs of producing multiple models will be more than offset by the improved and faster decision making by all parties.

The amount of detail shown in the model can be varied, according to what decisions are required. This can vary from a simple mass model, to show site layout, through to a detailed physical 3D model of the completed project, with even the colour scheme being shown.

Physical 3D models are very accurate as they are produced directly from your CAD files, so they are essentially your 2D drawings, produced in a physical 3D format.

Physical 3D models are built with a binding agent and the finished model is infused with an epoxy resin. This makes the model very durable and able to be shipped anywhere in the world.

Architects are finding these physical 3D models to be an essential project management tool.