Geländebau

Geländebau, or terrain construction, is the practice of creating three‑dimensional landscape features for models, dioramas, wargaming tables, and film or theatre sets. It aims to reproduce natural and urban environments at model scale while remaining durable and transportable. In German-speaking hobby communities, Geländebau encompasses basing, scenic elements, and fully modular landscapes that can be reorganized as a project evolves.

Foundations are built from lightweight materials such as polystyrene or extruded foam, cork, or plaster over a frame. Surfaces are textured with plaster, modeling paste, or epoxy putty, then covered with ground textures like sand, grit, flocking, or static grass. Details come from hobby putties, resin casts, or 3D-printed elements. Painting typically proceeds from base coats to washes, dry brushing, and weathering powders to suggest age and use.

Planning emphasizes scale, function, and readability. A typical workflow begins with a plan, base preparation, core shaping, texture work, painting, and detailing. Many builders use modular designs for flexibility and transport. Optional effects—water, lighting, or vegetation—increase realism but add complexity. Safety considerations include ventilation for glues and paints, non-toxic materials when possible, and proper disposal of waste.

Geländebau supports hobbyists, tabletop gaming, diorama makers, and film or theatre production. It fosters practical skills in sculpture, painting, and problem solving, and it benefits from communities that share techniques and project guides. Increasing emphasis on sustainability leads builders to reuse components, select environmentally friendly materials, and minimize waste.