What does an architectural or industrial model cost?

The honest answer is: An architectural house model starts at around €390 net, and technical industrial and plant models at roughly €1,500 net. The final price depends on size, scale, level of detail and, above all, the quality of your source data. This guide shows the realistic ranges and the factors behind them — so you know exactly what you are paying for.

Realistic price ranges at a glance

Scale models are one-off pieces. Even so, reliable reference figures can be given, because the effort and material use can be estimated well:

• Mini / entry-level models: from €69 — small objects, one scale, one colour.
• House model Standard (1:100): from €390 net — building volume, roof shape, basic massing.
• House model Plus: €590 – 890 net — sectional, multi-coloured, with interior walls and a wooden base.
• Industrial, plant & trade-fair models: from €1,500 net as a project price, with no upper limit depending on scope.

These figures are starting points, not final prices. A 1:500 district model with 30 buildings costs more than a single residential house — and a true-to-detail machine model with moving assemblies more than a simplified building volume.

The five factors that determine the price

1. Size and scale

The larger the finished model, the more material and print time. The scale also determines the level of detail: at 1:50 every window reveal is visible, at 1:500 only the massing counts. A smaller scale is not automatically cheaper — it can mean more objects on the same footprint.

2. Level of detail

Façade articulation, railings, pipework, machine elements: every detail has to be designed and printed cleanly. A clearly defined detailing requirement keeps the price stable; “as realistic as possible” drives it up.

3. Quality of the source data

This is the biggest lever. Complete plans and dimensions mean little reconstruction effort. If we have to estimate dimensions from blurry photos and derive geometry, the design share rises. For pure design work, reckon with €60 – 90 per hour.

4. Colour, material and finish

Single-colour is the baseline. Multi-colour printing adds around a 30 – 50% surcharge. On top of that come optional finishing steps such as sanding, priming or lacquering.

5. Quantity

The first model carries the entire design cost. Every further copy is significantly cheaper — from around €80 per piece.

Upgrades and their prices

Many models benefit from accessories. The common options:

• Wooden base: + €80 – 120
• Multi-colour printing: + 30 – 50%
• Express production: + 50 – 100%
• Each further copy: from €80

How to get to your model for less

The most effective money-saving tip is mundane and yet decisive: provide good data. Anyone who supplies scaled plans, complete dimensions and sharp photos from several angles saves design hours — and therefore real money. Further levers:

1. Choose the scale deliberately. For an overall impression, a smaller scale is often enough.
2. Prioritise the depth of detail. Define what really needs to be visible.
3. Series instead of single piece. If several locations need the same model, the unit price drops sharply.
4. Get a fixed price. This avoids add-on charges and lets you budget with confidence.

Why transparent fixed prices?

Around 80% of the market works with “price on request”. That is inconvenient for clients, because it makes budget planning impossible. Skalar takes the other route: after a free data review you receive a binding fixed price. You know before the start what your model costs — and it stays that way.

If you would like a concrete estimate, send us your documents. You will find more on prices on our pricing page, and details on data preparation in the guide What data do I need?.