High-End Custom Manufacturing Company

Custom Display Cases for Seaspan’s LEGO Icebreaker Model

Seaspan’s LEGO Icebreaker Model

Seaspan commissioned MJY Fabrication Inc. to design and fabricate two custom display cases for a large-scale LEGO icebreaker model created by award-winning artist Paul Hetherington. The display required engineering to safely show a heavy and complex model in their headquarters lobby, while delivering premium-quality clarity and finish.

The Challenge

A display worthy of the LEGO icebreaker, engineered for the lobby

Seaspan needed display cases that would:

Showcase the artistry and scale of the LEGO icebreaker model in a way worthy of a major maritime company.
Fit the architectural context of their modern lobby space.
Support the substantial weight and length of the model.
Allow for integrated lighting and service access.
Ensure full visibility from multiple angles.
Be relocatable for future maintenance while maintaining visual refinement.

Key challenges:

The model’s weight and size required structural engineering beyond standard cabinetry.
A one-piece acrylic top was impractical for transport and handling; a modular top system was the solution.
Alignment with Seaspan’s brand context and contemporary lobby finishes.

Client:

Seaspan ULC

Location:

North Vancouver, BC

Timeline:

February 27, 2025 — September 24, 2025

Cost:

$24,787

Scope:

Display built for clarity, strength, and lobby-ready presentation

The Approach

A collaborative, engineered approach built on precision and purpose

1. Discovery & Consultation

MJY met with the Seaspan team to understand both technical requirements and design aspirations. We visited on-site to measure, assess placement, sight-lines and client branding context.

2. Iterative Design Development

Determined a two-case solution offered better structural integrity and future handling flexibility.
Developed a multi-panel acrylic top design using ⅜” acrylic with low-visibility hardware.
Designed the case base with internal rib-structure for high load support, and integrated service access and hidden casters behind a removable kick plate.

3. Engineering & Fabrication

Base structure: Specialty MDF with high-end millwork finishing and waterborne, non-off-gassing coatings to protect the enclosed model environment.
Acrylic top: Modular panels precisely aligned
Brushed stainless steel trim to tie into Seaspan’s lobby finishes.
Mobility: Heavy-duty locking casters beneath concealed panels so the cases can be moved without sacrificing aesthetics.

4. Installation

MJY delivered the fabricated cases to Seaspan’s lobby and worked with the artist on-site during model placement to ensure safe installation and correct alignment.

The Build

Precision-built components that balance durability and design

Carcass & finishes: Paint-grade MDF, sealed and coated with premium-grade waterborne finish.
Top enclosure: ⅜” acrylic panels, mechanical joints designed for clarity and rigidity.
Trim & detailing: Brushed stainless steel top trim matched the visual language of Seaspan’s lobby.
Structural support: Internal rib-structure to distribute load from the heavy model, plus hidden service access.
Mobility solution: High-capacity locking casters behind a removable base kick-plate, enabling repositioning without visible hardware.

Key Takeaways

For large, heavy display objects, early structural engineering and modular design are essential.
Aesthetic refinement (e.g., acrylic clarity, trim coordination, hidden mobility) distinguishes premium custom casework.
Aligning fabrication with client brand and architecture enhances value and overall end visual.

Custom Display Cases for Seaspan’s LEGO Icebreaker Model