Why Architectural Visualisation Is Key for Homebuilding

It began at the dawn of civilisation and still holds true. Every family or individual wants a comfortable home, a dwelling designed with sound planning to look good and function efficiently. Today, homebuilding is a term used to describe the planning and construction of a large number of private houses in a single project, creating a sizeable community of houses at a particular area in a fixed time period. The increasing use of 3D models gives the process an edge of professionalism and precision. Architectural visualisation, which consists of both residential ArchiCAD 3D modelling and architectural rendering services, fine tunes and speeds up the home design process in the preconstruction stage.

The evolution of 3D modelling in the AEC industry was a game changer for architecture. One of the critical advances was the fact that 3D modelling could easily provide options where interior spaces and objects could be added, subtracted or moved for scale and to represent the possibilities of what could be done with those spaces and objects.

A 3D model has many benefits. Software such as AutoCAD, Revit and ArchiCAD enable architects and designers to develop realistic and impressive visual representations. By exporting such models into 3DS Max and other graphics and visual effect packages, the opportunities to communicate start to grow. Clients may view these detailed models on an iPad or through a VR headset. This essentially proves faster and more cost-effective, since the advantage of viewing changes on mobile devices means the designer need not travel to present models to customers.

Using professional photographs, 3D modelling can transform a 360-degree panorama into a realistic model. Spaces can be shown in a way that photos cannot match. Visuals are more detailed and precise and can be viewed from a variety of angles.

The use of rendered 3D models helps improve marketing processes and project approvals. In case of changes, these models can be modified quickly, sometimes even during a meeting. Assets, such as room templates or templates of a building’s elements, can be changed as required and can streamline the process. Space layouts can be shown accurately, and problems can be anticipated in advance.

What are some of the advantages of creating architectural models?

Creating detailed and precise 3D models in AutoCAD, Revit or ArchiCAD needs sound architectural knowledge and keen computing skills, but with the right personnel, this need not be difficult.

Feedback - Feedback and questions regarding projects created in CAD can be communicated quickly and easily, whether on site or in an office or at home. Using 3D models results in the collection of feedback, modification resulting from the feedback and testing of concepts in real time. Also, errors are reduced during the planning stage of the project.

Collaboration - Architects and designers can share models online during the design process. By downloading a project viewer, clients are able to leave their input on the designs developed. This kind of collaboration is one of the prime advantages of 3D architectural visualisation for homebuilding.

Marketing Tool - Homebuilding involves creating design options with a development plan and dealing with planning regulations. The advantages of 3D software that helps create architectural models is that any part of the house can be shown in immense detail from any angle of view, and this can also be done from different distances by using zoom and pan. The use of models results in the development of photo-realistic images with detailed textures, helping to visualise the end product.

Following the creation of architectural 3D models, images known as 3D renderings can be developed. Architectural renderings in 3D have become photorealistic with software such as SketchUp. The digital approach to rendering can save time, since a series of similar homes can be easily copied and modified, without the need to start from the beginning. Changes can be executed while on the phone, rather than redrafting.

The models and renders created will be easy to comprehend for zoning officials and other authorities. Some renders may even facilitate a ‘virtual tour’.

Rendering involves the process of adding shade, colour and lamination to a 2-D or 3-D image to develop lifelike, hyper-realistic visuals.

During the homebuilding process, or stages of homebuilding, rendering offers certain benefits, namely:

1. Pre-Construction Planning Stage : At the conceptual stage, renders can create detailed, precise 3D residential architectural views which can show how viable a project may be. This allows decision-makers to have a clearer understanding and plan for the project.
2. Design Stage : Lighting, materials, landscaping, environment, interiors and furniture details that are shown in rendered images help homebuilders communicate with planning authorities and hasten the approval process. Rendering at this stage, before actual construction commences, allows potential customers to see what the project will look like.
3. Construction Stage : At this stage, detailed renders can assist homebuilders and clients confirm that the construction accurately reflects the design. Also, residential architectural renderings can help locate inconsistencies in design and amend them.
4. Post-Construction Stage : Rendered images of the exterior and interior of constructed homes come in handy when these properties need to be pre-sold. Precise and detailed renderings, along with walkthroughs, can show stakeholders exactly how the home will appear.

Both 3D modelling and residential architectural rendering serve to help funding partners and investors feel confident about projects, help speed up the approval process from planning authorities, accurately assess and correct project anomalies and function as a useful marketing tool to present project designs to potential customers. Increasingly, the expertise and costs for modelling and residential 3D rendering services overseas are becoming more attractive. With large pools of technical talent and expertise available in countries such as India, Western countries find their best interests, in the field of architectural visualisation services, being served in the east.

Kuldeep Bwail, Director at XS CAD, providing 3D Architectural Modelling,3D BIM Modeling to Homebuilder, Architect