Electrifying the Bricks for Hydro One
parts count: 4403
Dimensions (CM): 76.8(W) x 54.2(L) x 39.5(H)
When Ontarian electricity service provider Hydro One wanted a model that showcased how their service contributes to daily life, they contacted Playwell Bricks to see about a custom set. During their discovery call, Hydro One outlined that they wanted a set that included a small neighbourhood, power transfer station, transmission tower, and both individual and commercial areas.
ALL ABOUT DEM BRICKS
Playwell Bricks designer Eric Dubois Yang was intrigued by the concept and agreed to take on the project. Hydro One explained that, in addition to the set, they wanted to be able to write their company core values directly onto bricks that would be used in this build.
The Playwell Bricks team decided that 2x6 bricks would be the best for this, and designed the set around these bricks, giving Eric’s design a unique challenge, as “I had to use as many 2x6 bricks as possible.”
CORPORATE EXPERIENCE
Since the final set would be built as part of a corporate workshop, Eric needed to design the set with enough simplicity that inexperienced builders would still enjoy the experience.
At 4403 bricks, this set is the largest Eric has designed for Playwell Bricks to date. Happily, the set is broken into six modules for the different sections Hydro One requested, sidestepping overwhelm for any inexperienced brickbuilders on the Hydro One team.
ACCURACY MATTERS
Eric also came to learn how an electric substation worked for this project. “The client wanted accuracy,” Eric explains. This led to some back-and-forth to ensure accuracy and ultimately resulted in a larger set than the original concept.
“Although compromises were made, the logic and components – also the shape of the components - are intact and quite educational, if you ask me!” Eric tells me.
More importantly, this effort took the design from one that the client was satisfied with, to one they could get excited about. “And that’s the goal,” Eric says.
conclusion
If you’re in search of a unique and playful custom set to showcase the service your company provides, contact us today! Our team of world-class designers will work with your ideas, budget, and goals to help you build your dreams.