Fancy building your dream home? Well now you can for €59.99 – if you don’t mind your dream home being of miniscule proportions.
Arckit is a modern take on old-fashioned model making, a tool designed by Monaghan architect Damien Murtagh who is now London-based.
The easy-to-use components, designed to be used by architects, reintroduce the idea of the scale model. The kit's appeal takes creative thinking to the next level. Homeowners can also turn the tables on architects and, instead of referencing two-dimensional images from Houzz.com or Pinterest, they construct a miniature version of what's in their head.
It also brings model-making into the 21st century. On the site, you can purchase multiple textures that come in peel-off adhesive strips so you can add texture to your trophy home – be it Barbie pink walls, metal, stone or timber-cladding options.
The kits, made of a recyclable plastic in Tinahely, Co Wicklow, are stocked in Harrods of London and Murtagh has done a deal with Barnes and Noble for 80 of its US stores.
The design has won a prestigious Red Dot Award and a silver medal at last year's London Design Festival. It is shortlisted for an Irish Times Innovation Award – the winners will be announced tomorrow night.
You can buy the kit at The Science Gallery or online from €59.99.
