Building a Home: Long-Term Time-lapse Filming at Flimwell Park

Shootlab was commissioned to capture the entire build process of an eco homes development at Flimwell in Sussex using a long-term time-lapse camera. After producing Architectural Photography for Flimwell Parks Live/work units we were commissioned to document the entire building process of three modern, sustainable, and ecologically friendly homes. Using a specialist Long-Term Timelapse camera we filmed the gradual yet transformative journey from foundation to completion. This long-term time-lapse project serves not just as a record of construction but as a narrative of how sustainable design can coexist with nature. Watch this fascinating time-lapse journey, and witness these exceptional houses being built from the ground up, filmed over 12 months.

Flimwell Park set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty an innovative building project took place. Flimwell Park, renowned for its breathtaking vistas, provided an enchanting backdrop for the construction of the new build homes. Embracing the surrounding natural beauty, the project strived to embody ecological sensibility and preserve the integrity of the landscape. Each home thoughtfully designed with balconies on all three floors, granting residents the privilege of enjoying nature from every vantage point.

Sustainability was at the heart of this endeavour. The inclusion of designated parking with electric vehicle (EV) charging points showcased a commitment to reducing the carbon footprint. The modern methods of construction, endorsed by Steve Johnson of The Architect Ensemble, not only streamlined the building process but also prioritised eco-conscious materials and practices. As a Lecturer at The Bartlett School of Architecture, Johnson's expertise brought an additional layer of significance to the project, emphasizing the vital role architects play in shaping the future of sustainable housing.

With sustainability as the project's foundation, Shootlab sought to capture the story of Flimwell Park's transformation through the lens of a long-term time-lapse camera. The chosen camera, the Afidus ATL-200, proved to be an ideal companion, offering a myriad of features that complemented the project's objectives.

The Afidus ATL-200, equipped with a Sony Full HD image sensor and a 16-35mm optical zoom lens, ensured every detail of the construction was vividly preserved. The camera's Wi-Fi app control allowed for seamless remote operation and full-screen preview, granting the team greater flexibility in adjusting settings and capturing the perfect shots.

The customisability of time intervals was a pivotal feature in creating a compelling narrative. The camera's batteries, lasted around 30 days, and ensured that no significant moment of the construction journey was missed. From laying the foundations to the final touches, the Afidus ATL-200 dutifully documented the evolution of these modern classic houses.

The camera successfully recorded the entire construction process in a time-lapse format, providing a practical and detailed view of the building's development. Showcasing the combination of modern architectural techniques and sustainable practices.

The long-term time-lapse project at Flimwell Park was not just about the construction of three exceptional homes; it was a testament to the marriage of modern design and ecological responsibility. Shootlab's expert use of the Afidus ATL-200 brought this narrative to life, celebrating the harmonious coexistence of human innovation and the beauty of the natural world. As these homes now stand tall, they not only represent the future of sustainable living but also serve as a reminder that progress and preservation can go hand in hand, and the lens of a time-lapse camera can reveal the enchanting dance of creation and conservation.

To create a long term timelapse you have to invest in a specialist camera that can record for long durations, days, weeks months.Opt for a model that is weatherproof, durable, and capable of withstanding harsh conditions. Consider the required image quality, deciding between HD and 4K based on whether the timelapse is intended for web display or broadcast. The choice of camera should align with client expectations and the intended use of the footage.

Is the Afidus ATL-200 time lapse camera any good, well it survived outside for over a year on the roof of a construction site. It is HD and the image quality varied depending on the varying lighting conditions. It is not the best image quality especially when viewed next to the drone footage we cut with it but it coped with a lot of abuse including snow and blizzard conditions. The camera is priced at around £250 so is a good deal, and to get a better long term timelapse camera you have to spend considerably more, so depending on your budget this camera might be the cmera for you.

The Afidus ATL-200 is operated through a dedicated smartphone app. Once you get familiar with it, it's quite straightforward and offers a wide range of settings to explore. To achieve the best results, do some research and attention to specific details are essential.

Key factors to consider include:

We enjoyed working with the camera and it gave us some good results. We used high capacity lithium batteries which lasted around 4 weeks. Energizer Ultimate Lithium AA Batteries these are the longest lasting AA batteries that are available. When we changed them the camera always got moved slightly so we had to cut in other footage to hide the move, in this case we used drone footage to hide the camera movement.

Here is a list of some of the other best long term Timelapse cameras in 2024.

Shootlab is a Content Creation Agency based in England, specialising in Video production, Photography, and Social Media Content Creation. Our services encompass a wide range of areas, including Marketing Films, Arts and Culture films, Education Films, Public Sector and charity films, corporate films, Documentaries and Sussex-specific videos. We offer comprehensive services in videography, video editing, colour grading, drone filming, event videography, and video streaming.

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