There are several ways to build a model of a house or building. When I designed modular homes in the early nineties, speed was essential so clients could get a better feel for their proposed home. My method involved taking a quarter-inch scale plan of the house and pasting it onto a piece of plywood.
Next, I used the same scale elevation drawings—exterior views of the home—pasting them onto cardboard. Once secured, I colored different elements of the home with felt-tip pens to bring the model to life. Afterward, I cut out the individual views and carefully glued them together over the plan on the plywood. This approach ensured the model stayed square and accurate.
For the roof, I used thicker cardboard, taping over the edges with masking tape to simulate the fascia. Then, I drew a shingle pattern and glued it in place.
The next step was to paint the driveway and walkways tan to resemble concrete and add green areas to represent grass. For landscaping, I used lichen to create shrubs and model trees from a hobby shop to complete the scene. Depending on the complexity of the home, the entire process took anywhere from four to five hours.
If the model included an interior, I used the same technique to build interior walls. In this case, the roof remained unattached to allow a clear view inside. For extra detail, I sometimes used a surgical knife to cut out window panes, allowing a peek into the model’s interior.
Another method I have used is balsa wood. Though more time-consuming, this approach provides finer details and a more refined appearance than cardboard. While it requires extra effort, the result is a highly detailed and realistic model.