Façade Studies: Atherton House
by Mark English, AIA | Work/News
In our previous post, we discussed the importance of the continued practice of hand-making physical models and the role it has in aiding the architectural design process and allowing for a deeper understanding of the project. In this post we discuss the ways in which 3D rendering technology has opened up a world of possibility for design exploration and visual communication.
In our previous post, we discussed the importance of the continued practice of hand-making physical models and the role it has in aiding the architectural design process and allowing for a deeper understanding of the project. Despite the immense value of hand building scale models, there is no doubt that advances in technology in the architecture field have opened up a world of possibility for design exploration. Detailed 3D renderings are an invaluable tool for exploring various design ideas without the laborious task of hand construction. While physical models are key in helping us understand spatial interrelationships, 3D Renderings can function as digital models, illustrating a level of detail and realism that physical models cannot. This is very useful for designers and clients alike. Rendering technology is so sophisticated that designers can create photorealistic images of projects while they are still in their earliest stages, making them an ideal tool for visual communication and presentation. For example, different material options can easily and quickly be explored and presented to clients in a polished image that allows them to have a very clear idea of the finished design.
3D renderings were used to explore many material choices for a feature wall on one of our current projects, the Atherton House.
Terracotta Rain Screen:
Terracotta Rain Screen: Façade View
Terracotta Rain Screen: Interior View
Concrete Tile Screen:
Concrete Tile Screen: Façade View
Concrete Tile Screen: Interior View
Copper Paneled Wall:
Copper Paneled Wall: Façade View
Copper Paneled Wall: Interior View
Mosaic Glass Tile Wall:
Mosaic Glass Tile Wall: Façade View
Mosaic Glass Tile Wall: Interior View
Perforated Metal Screen:
Perforated Metal Screen: Façade View
Perforated Metal Screen: Interior View
Ipe Wood Rain Screen:
Ipe Rain Screen: Façade View
Ipe Rain Screen: Interior View
Dex Pucker Concrete Tile Wall:
After having the opportunity to view photorealistic renders of many potential material choices for the feature wall, our clients decided on the Dex Pucker Concrete Tile.
Dex Pucker Concrete Tile Screen: Façade View
Dex Pucker Concrete Tile Screen: Interior View
Closeup of Dex Pucker Concrete Tile
