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When we were approached by Ann Squared to create a giant Nissan Qashqai for a high-profile installation at the Truman Brewery in London, we knew it would be one of those projects that tested every bit of our creativity, precision and problem-solving.
Here’s how we took the idea from a sketch on paper to a full-sized car perched on a chimney.
The Brief: Big, Bold and Unmissable
The client wanted a giant replica of the Qashqai to feature as part of a marketing campaign. The twist was that it needed to be installed on top of the Truman Brewery’s iconic chimney. Needless to say, this location came with serious structural, logistical and safety considerations.
Our client needed something instantly recognisable and visually striking, but lightweight enough for rooftop installation. And of course, durable enough to withstand wind and weather exposure.
Design & Planning: From Sketches to CAD
As with most large-format builds, everything started with scaled designs. Working from reference imagery and manufacturer specs, our team created detailed digital models to establish the correct proportions at an oversized scale.
We developed the CAD drawings map the car’s overall structure, break the build into manageable components, identify internal supports for strength without unnecessary weight and plan how the car would be transported and assembled on site.
The chimney location meant we also had to factor in anchoring points and structural integrity during the planning phase. (This is not something you can improvise once you’re halfway up a rooftop.)
Choosing the Right Materials
When choosing the right materials, the size and weight of the installation were our key constraints. So we had to combine several materials to get the balance right.
We used:
- CNC-cut polystyrene blocks, which formed the main body shape.
- A welded metal framework we inserted inside the body to provide internal strength. And create secure fixing points for installation.
- Fibreglass to reinforce key areas and add durability.
- Lightweight internal supports. (These helped maintain structure without unnecessary bulk.)
- Automotive-style paint finishes to deliver a showroom-quality surface.
Every element was built to stay lightweight and durable while maintaining a highly realistic finish.
Fabrication: Turning the Model into a Monument
Once the CAD was signed off, the real magic began, and the sculpting got underway in our workshop. The team carved and assembled the polystyrene sections around the internal metal framework to create the core structure. Because of its size, the car was built in several large sections, with each one shaped and refined individually before being test-fitted together in the workshop.
Once the full form was in place, we applied a fibreglass and resin outer layer, ready for finishing and painting. This gave the car its strength and a solid surface to finish. From there, we moved on to precision sanding to refine the lines and curves. Then added details like the grille, wheel forms and window areas. The fibreglass shell was then primed and spray-painted in the exact brand-approved colours, giving it the glossy finish of a real car.
Finishing Touches: Bringing the Car to Life
To capture the likeness of the original Qashqai, we focused heavily on the finish. Multiple layers of paint were applied to achieve the signature automotive look. Vinyl decals and detailing were added for brand accuracy, and the surface was weather-sealed for long-term display in an exposed location.
At this stage, we also ran through the final assembly plan with the installation team to make sure the on-site build was smooth and safe.
The Biggest Challenge: Getting It on the Chimney
This was where things got really exciting. As you can imagine, a 3.5-metre car replica doesn’t just glide onto a rooftop. Getting it onto the chimney took some serious coordination. First, the delivery had to be timed precisely to work around London’s transport restrictions. We worked closely with structural engineers to plan the crane and rigging.
The prop itself had a custom-welded metal frame built inside it so it could be lifted safely and fixed securely once in place.
Because of the height and exposure, we also had to account for wind load with the right anchoring solutions, and every stage of the install was planned with strict safety measures for working at elevation. The internal frame meant we could safely bolt the car into position without compromising the finish or stability.
The Result
Once in place, the Qashqai looked as though it had driven straight up the building and parked itself in the sky. The impact was exactly what the client envisioned: bold, unexpected and impossible to miss.
Projects like this highlight what we at Spur Creative do best: combining creativity with technical problem-solving to deliver large-scale builds that work in the real world. You can see more of our work here.
If you’re dreaming up something oversized, ambitious or out-of-the-ordinary, we’d love to talk.