I would like to learn how to skin 3D building renders. Any idea where I'd need to start looking for information and software needed?

I don't even know if I'm referring to this correctly either. Basically what I want to learn how to do is take the CAD files for our log home plans, create a 3D model, and then apply the textures (wood, stone, shingles, plants, etc.) to the 3D model. We're drawing the plans in BuildersCAD if that helps.

(sits back and waits for vokaris to make an appearance)

Vokaris!!! Tofu needs you right now!

Texturing...

What kind of software you intending to use to texture?

I was figuring Photoshop CS3? Basically I need to find out the correct terminology I guess. That way I can find out the starting point for the software I'd need?

The steps, I'm guessing, are:

1. Draw the floor plan in CAD software
2. Import the CAD file into a 3D Rendering package (if the CAD doesn't render itself).
3. Apply the textures to the surfaces.

So part 2 is where I'm at a loss I think. I'm wondering if I can pull the CAD file into 3DSMax (or similar) to generate the render?

Vokaris where are you when I need you?!?!

what sort of file is it Chris? .dwg?

using version 9.1?



http://www.builderscad.com/new_features.html

Just read somewhere that you can import/export to sketchup.

Why not use the built-in 3D features in your software?
http://www.builderscad.com/bcad_3d.html



Or see if you can build it in 3D and export to .3ds or .max for texturing. But that will open a whole new can of worms.

IYou can use 3dmax for texturing and photoshop ofcourse to make shadows and necessary adjustments for the textured rendered 3D..Hope this helps.

you could try this...
http://www.blender.org/

Yes.



AND



'Cuz .... Uh......

Edit: Found out the reason is that Builder's CAD doesn't quite know how to handle log homes. Apparently it can't do the log corners correctly. So when the render comes out the home's corners are wonky. Also the software doesn't understand the shape/roundness of the logs and how to apply the texture.

I'm also really asking about this as I'm looking at a possible side income doing this. Currently the designers create the files and send them off to a guy out west to create the renders. He's charging tens of thousands of dollars for the output TIFFs (and they look like crap in my opinion).

Sooo.... I was thinking I could learn how to do this and possibly do them on the side.

Do you plan on buying additional software to do this?

You may look into something from Punch Software - the Home Design Architectural Series have tools for modeling log homes.

You can also look at ArchiCAD with something like ArchiLogs

Doing it from scratch - you can create the model in AutoCAD and add texture, lighting and cameras in 3DS Max or 3DS Max Design, or any other 3D software. How 'realistic' do you want the end result to be?

I'll have to look at the software you pointed out. If I do it as a side income then yes they'll be software needed. If I end up doing them for work then I'll just use Builders CAD and CS3 I guess?

Even the "support guy" for Builders CAD said he uses a combination of software packages to do renders. Especially for interior shots. This is what got me to thinking about learning what it would take.

You can also look at Chief Architect (a lot pricier)