3D Model for British Gas at Grand Designs Live

The British Gas stand at Grand Designs Live 2009 has a more interactive feel this year thanks to a demonstration unit crafted by IDC Models. The model showcases energy saving techniques tried and tested by the public in an eco-social experiment conducted by British Gas in 2008 called 'Green Streets'.

"Grand Designs Live and British Gas were keen to show the best of the energy saving devices put to the test throughout 2008 by some of the homes in eight chosen UK streets. Grand Designs wanted visitors at the show to get involved and see clearly in a fun and interactive way how these techniques really worked," explained director of IDC Models, Vince O'Horo. "Building a model that would create a life-like quality was essential. We needed to draw people in and bring it closer to reality for anyone visiting the show."

IDC Models was asked by Rockwool Insulation to design and produce the temporary demonstration unit.

Model making specialists set to work building the cross section of a wall and roof that would illustrate three major energy saving options. The unit demanded a heavy emphasis on traditional model making skills with careful attention to detail, but also employed a blend of rapid prototyping technologies and CNC machining. Different brick patterns were also considered by the model making team, as these indicate whether a house has been built with cavity or solid walls.

The unit itself allows visitors to see inside a loft wall insulated by a medium density multi-use insulation mat called Rockwool Roll. The model also shows a cavity wall kitted out with Rockwool EnergySaver insulation to improve the thermal insulation of both new and existing masonry cavity walls.

As many pre-1930s houses do not have a cavity wall, the model makers also incorporated insulation for solid walls demonstrating the British Gas EcoRock system, which works like a cladding against the exterior wall and combines non-combustible, acoustic, thermal and energy saving insulation.

The next Grand Designs Live will be held in Birmingham in October 2009, where the model will be on display.