Question 1

What information do you need from me to create the model?

Accepted Answer

We want the process of commissioning a bespoke Made:Small model to be as simple as possible for you; using our observational skills, honed by years of experience in architectural practice, we are able to produce something wonderful with just a little prompting. That said - the more information you can provide us with, the better! Take a look at our ‘What we need’ (https://www.madesmall.co.uk/post/what-we-need)b(https://www.madesmall.co.uk/post/what-we-need)log to find out more.

Question 2

What if I can’t provide you with enough information?

Accepted Answer

Thanks to smartphones with cameras and online mapping services, it is rare that enough information can’t be gathered. If we do not feel that we can produce a model with enough accuracy to give a good likeness, we will inform you of this as soon as we can before starting work and provide you with a full refund.

Question 3

How much garden will you include?

Accepted Answer

This depends on the house in question; we usually try to include the front garden and its boundary treatment to the street (i.e. garden walls and gate posts), and any important features such as steps up to the house. The amount of garden included will be proportionate to the size of the house, however, and we’ll be focussed mainly on the building’s architectural features.

Question 4

How big will my model be?

Accepted Answer

Our goal is to create a model you can comfortably hold in one hand. Because every home is different, we use a range of scales to ensure the best balance between detail and overall form.

We work with three scales: Macro (1:200), Meso (1:150) and Micro (1:100).

To briefly explain scale: when something is “to scale”, every part is reduced by the same ratio. At 1:100, for example, 1 cm in the model represents 1 m in real life. Smaller scales (such as 1:200) allow us to include larger homes within a hand-sized model, though with slightly less visible detail.

In simple terms, Macro suits larger homes, Micro suits smaller ones, and Meso sits neatly in the middle. The maximum real-world sizes for each scale are shown below:

Because we use different scales, the final model size will vary depending on the size of your home. Our photo gallery is a great reference, but you can also take some quick measurements if you'd like a more precise idea. We always confirm the scale we’ll use before beginning the modelling process.

Question 5

My house is in a terrace/semi-detached/very close to another, can you model it?

Accepted Answer

Yes we can, in fact according to the 2021 census, only about 23% of properties in England and Wales were detached, so most of the homes we model are attached in some way! We usually model a little bit of each attached house outside of your property boundary for context.

Question 6

I live in a flat, can you model it?

Accepted Answer

Yes we can, although depending on the size of the building, we might have to get creative about how an'd what we model! We'd recommend dropping us an email before placing an order so we can work out how much building we should model and an appropriate cost.

Question 7

How long will it take to receive my order?

Accepted Answer

A step by step guide to the order process can be found on our How it Works (https://www.madesmall.co.uk/how-it-works)page. Once we have received all of the information that you can provide and we've let you know that we're 'good to go' (Step 4), we aim to dispatch all our models within 2 weeks of receipt, however this can vary.

Please check on the site banner at the top of our webpages for up to date timing estimates. As standard we ship via Royal Mail Tracked 24 postage.

Question 8

How much does postage cost?

Accepted Answer

Postage costs of £5.99 for a Royal Mail Tracked 24 are added at point of order.

Question 9

Are the models packaged ready to gift?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all models come in a kraft gifting box with colourful shredded paper filler.

Question 10

Can I add a personalised gift note with my model?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all models come with a personalised 'Blueprint', with a diagram of the home and space for a personal note to your loved one.

Question 11

I live with the giftee, can you help me keep it a surprise?

Accepted Answer

Yes, at the checkout stage of your order, you can select the 'gift' checkbox which means your model will arrive in a plain, unbranded, outer postage box. The kraft presentation box will be packaged safely inside.

Question 12

Why are the models white? Can I paint my model?

Accepted Answer

We love the sleek, clean appearance of our matt white models. These kind of models are the perfect tools for architects to effectively communicate their 3D design concepts to clients. Keeping the model uncoloured maintains a neutral aesthetic, allowing the focus to remain on the form and relationships rather than being distracted by materials

That said - the acrylic-painted finish allows you the flexibility to customise the model with colours and textures that reflect the building’s design. While we encourage keeping it uncoloured, we’d love to see your creative results, so feel free to send us a picture if you decide to paint it!

Question 13

What information does the A4 insert show?

Accepted Answer

Alongside your chosen personalised message, we will show 2D elevational scale drawings of your home. Sometimes, if the home is small, mid-terrace or only has a single facade we will show a 3D isometric view.

Question 14

What will the printing video look like?

Accepted Answer

You can preview videos of our previous models on our YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@madesmall)

Sub-Q&A: 'Why do some of the homes look like they have trees growing out of them whilst they print?' - Sometimes our models need temporary supporting structures for overhanging elements during the print, and the most efficient way for our 3D printer to produce these is through organic forms that look like tree-trunks!