Bringing unbuilt projects to life: the power of 3D renders

Perhaps it’s a decision between three types of cladding; maybe it's landscaping, or the style of roof. If indecision is an issue, or the need arises to simply offer various design options, 3D renders are the solution. We spoke to 3DAV about the power of virtual plans.

The design phase of any building or renovation project can be one that lingers, especially for clients who may struggle to make decisions - and there are many. With budget a factor, and an almost unlimited number of possible building materials to choose from, having a range of realistic options brought to life in 3D can make all the difference. 

“By being able to see a virtual representation of different options, the decisions become much easier,” 3D rendering expert Patrick Wood of 3DAV says. “It may be the decision between white brick, vertical Cedar or horizontal weatherboard, each of which will completely change the aesthetics of the same property.

“The ability to completely understand the intricacies and aesthetic values of each material by seeing them in 3D is a powerful tool, for both clients and architects.

“It’s also a way to minimise design changes after plans have been consented, minimising delay during the building process and ensuring projects are kept on budget and delivered on time. Often, if a client isn’t able to visualise what a material will look like, and how it will interact with other materials and design decisions, changes are inevitably made during the build, which can result in costly delays,” Patrick says. 

For developers, being able to present a variety of options in three dimensions is also very valuable. “In this type of situation, budget is often a paramount concern. What we’re able to do is provide various options for the same house that all sit within a certain budget. For clients to be able to see what is possible and the dramatically different outcomes that can be achieved is a powerful and engaging proposition.

“Often, the level of detail we can create is a key part of the value for clients and architects alike. For example, we have hundreds of 3D models of different plants and trees so we can create incredibly realistic landscaping plans to help with exterior design decisions.”

The technology 3DAV uses is incredibly complex, with the only limitation the imagination, Patrick says. “We can literally create any building or renovation from the ground up. For commercial fitouts, for example, a key decision may be flooring. So what we will provide is a range of 3D renders showing what each option will look like in situ. In the same way, a client may be interested in how the sun will enter a room at a certain time of day with different window placements and coverings, something that can be clearly illustrated with our 3D renders.

“It’s this level of detail that really sells a project. We’re finding both developers and architects are partnering with us more and more to ensure clients and potential purchasers truly understand the possibilities and the intricacies of the design, as well as to provide a comprehensive range of options to help with design decisions.”

Are you about to embark on a new project? Find out more about the power of 3D renders.