Visualizing Material Choices for a Boston Custom Home Developer

Written By:

Mustafa Majodi

After contacting a Boston custom home developer, it was apparent he was having trouble choosing between two materials for his work. The developer was working on designing a gorgeous house but couldn’t make up his mind between the two completely different outside designs. So, he asked us to prepare two sets of 3D renders, where each render would focus on one material set, to aid him in making a decision.

The documents provided included all 2D plans, which were a floor plan, roof plan, plot plan and 2D elevations. The documents shared also included two different material palettes, a dark one with black, white and timber cladding and a lighter one that had a light gray cladding, light gray shingles and a white hardy plank. Our goal was to create the same render with both material sets such that the developer had the material set he wanted displayed infront of him visually.

Step by step strategy for visualizing material options possibilities

Converting 2D Drawings into CAD Files: The first step was to form CAD models by making the 2D drawings into CAD models. This way we could be sure that every step taken in the development of the 3D model was a measure that was intended to be made according to the plans given.

3D Modeling in 3ds Max:

Once the CAD files were ready, we then brought the files into 3ds Max with the goal of representing the building in 3D. We detailed the house where we modeled the entire house structure, so that both sets of materials would be accurately modeled.

Client Review and Adjustments:

As soon as the 3D rendering process was completed, we proceeded to send the screenshots to the client. This allowed him to specify things he does and doesn’t like about the overall model and make a few changes if necessary before the materials were integrated. Some changes on the windows were needed on the client side, so we changed it in order to fit the desired model instead.

Applying Materials with Corona Render:

The so-created model was then embellished, that is rendering two material sets, using Corona Render. As for the darker palette, black, white, and wooden textures were used for a modern, bold touch. Moving on to the lighter palette, light gray cladding, light gray shingles, and white hardy plank were chosen to create a softer contemporary look. Attention to detail was incorporated into each material set installation, as realistic and lifelike textures resulted.

Delivering the Final Renders:

We sent the client the two packages of high-quality 3D images. These visuals enabled him to envision how each material set would interact with the completed home, therefore making a more informed decision. The 3D renderings proved to be a very useful tool in his making the right material set choice as well because it helped in visualizing the suitable one as per his thoughts on the project.

How 3D Renderings Help Custom Home Builders and Real Estate Developers Choose Materials

Material selection is one of the final phases in the design stage of a project for a custom home builder and real estate developer. The problem at hand is how to anticipate the look of a building at its completion when only sample swatches of material are available. This is how 3D images can assist in making these vital decisions:

Realistic Depiction of the Integration of Materials:

3D rendering shows an actual preview of the application of various materials on the building. This gives the builders and developers an opportunity to see how various colors, textures, and finishes blend, thus producing an integrated design without the use of any materials.

Better Decision Making:

3D portrayal makes it easy for builders to compare different sets of materials side by side therefore this helps builder to make a better decision with regards to the choice made. This visual aid helps avoid costly changes down the line, as it allows clients to confidently choose materials that align with their vision.

Enhanced Client Communication:

Showing clients how the house looks like after being built with the preferred materials enhances communication as well as making sure all parties have a common understanding of how the completed project will look like. This reduces the chances of misunderstandings and aligns expectations.

Cost and Time Savings:

There is a possibility of expensive modifications being made on site if 3D Comparison materials are not used. Clients together with builders make the decisive agreement in the virtual site which in turn saves time and costs on need to make any physical changes once the building starts.

Increased Market Appeal:

Close to providing quality renderings, they can be used in marketing which assists in displaying the beauty of the house to potential buying clients. Particularly in real estate, it has also been proven useful as it is difficult to sell something that can not be seen in completion.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Why does it take long to make material comparison renderings?

The period varies from project to project due to the amount of work that has to be done, but generally, material comparison rendering takes about three to five business days allowing the client to edit their comments.

Q: Are the initial renderings suggestive of the final look of the building and can someone seek alterations after viewing model pictures as in an architectural visualization or rendering?

Yes, you can alter the interior images after viewing model picutes. For example, We send in model pictures providing an opportunity to clients to propose alterations on finishes before we apply the final materials.

Q: Why do you need to provide your children the same information for comparison material renderings?

For comparison material renders to be useful we usually require exact two dimensional view plans, namely, floor, roof, plot, and elevations and any one set of each of the materials description with reference images or a link for inspiration.

Q: From the sample renderings how will the fixture appear or how will the chose the materials that supplement other aspects of the design of the structure?

3D renderings provide an effective preview of how things would look like and how every materials might suit a specific architectural style, this will allow them to choose by assessment and visuals before amending words.

Q: What is then the cause for the common assumption that a material can only be rendered from a visual perspective?

No, flooring, paint colors, cabinetry. 3D renderings can be used to depict the interiors since for each of these design concepts both interiors and exteriors have to apply design choices.

To conclude, 3D renderings are an important tool for bespoke home constructors as well as real estate developers in that they connote realistic outlooks of materials to opt. Our recent work for a Boston developer illustrates that these images make decision making processes more simple, accurate, and certain. Through such 3D renderings, builders are able to guarantee that every material that they select augments the desired impression of their project, hence actualizing their imagination effectively and appealingly.