SU Start to Finish
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I'm involved in a small residential addition/renovation project and wish to use SketchUp and Layout for the entire thing. This means modeling first the existing conditions, mocking up the addition and any design ideas, then doing a demo plan, and finally construction docs- and of course all the little things in between. I hope to document my process and work flow as best as i can; in this way adding to the body of working techniques and general knowledge available in this community. All comments welcome.
Here are a few photos of the existing house...
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Sorry, here are more... i'm not used to attaching images yet
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not sure how to get more than one image to upload at a time so it's one per post until i figure out how to make that work...
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another exterior
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Here is the existing model. I haven't applied textures- the goal was to get the basic existing house modeled in such a way that i could easily modify any piece of it for the new design...
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Here are more views of the existing as modeled in SU
![section- made a copy of the skp file, used zorro2 to cut the section, then used "make section from slice" and filled in the poche.](/uploads/imported_attachments/oyDp_GronningSectionSliced-Scene17.jpg "section- made a copy of the skp file, used zorro2 to cut the section, then used "make section from slice" and filled in the poche.")
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Here is the .skp file so you can see how the model is built.Existing house model
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Troy,
In reviewing the model, I guess the challenge is "how much information does there need to be modeled".
I am finding that "massing studies" work well for clients, presentations and general planning.
But for construction docs, permit plans, and "methods and materials of construction" my models need a lot more information, even the existing condition ones. i.e. load paths, framing schemes, assembly details. stuff that I need to have "represented" in some way so that I can show how the building works, structurally.
This has been my challenge within SU, and the models I have been working on...just how much do you need to show in order to communicate what needs to be communicated.
This is "basic information setup" challenge.
I feel that we should be able to template basic construction components, so that when one starts to model, there is already an existing frame work to draw from, i.e. Outliner set up for basic "groups", components, already named and ready to go.
Scenes set up too, even a template within Layout for basic standard working drawing plans, i.e. plot plan, floor plans, elevations, sections, framing plans, even details, and schedules....
Any one got an idea if a "ruby" or a set of "rubies" could be made to standardize these mundane, yet time consuming tasks?
Or am I wishing, hoping and dreaming?
Any one wanting to collaborate on creating a workable solution for true architectural working drawings within the SU/LO platform?
aloha
red -
Chris,
I briefly looked into these concepts and find them very interesting and potentially practical for the whole process of design-plans-contracts-modifications-construction.
This is one thing that has remained terribly frustrating, was the initial enjoyment of a design and then the loss of contact with the process of construction and construction documentation that seemed to kill the thrill of building.
I think you are on to a process that can utilize the massing and modeling potential of sketchup plus the construction process communication and that would keep everyone involved, informed, participatory and collaborative.
Next step?
aloha
red -
@redinhawaii said:
Or am I wishing, hoping and dreaming?
Any one wanting to collaborate on creating a workable solution for true architectural working drawings within the SU/LO platform?
redYes I'm willing. Please have a look at here
where you will find this statement:
If nothing else cgScenes plug-in for Google's Sketchup demonstrates:
How to manipulate a lot of information in a small interface - by moving it.
How to generate a complete set of graphical information needed for building from a Sketchup model.
together with downloads and examples.
There are also some SCF discussions here and here
Let me know what you think.
Chris
Edit: I just tried cgScenes on Troy's skp; it seems to work OK except for Components. I need to amend the code for when groups are not named. I will post again when fixed. A good example of the benefits of collaboration though!
cg
Edit 2: Please reinstall from here; restart Sketchup if open.
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@redinhawaii said:
Troy,
In reviewing the model, I guess the challenge is "how much information does there need to be modeled".Red, you're right about massing studies... the actual construction will come as the design gets refined; right now we are at the massing stage. Keep checking back here for updates.
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To me, where SU is not efficient, is the detailing the model, i.e. is it more efficient to detail the whole model so that section cuts and renderings are basically information filled? At what level is effective and efficient.
How do you deal with section cuts symbols, door and window symbols, detail symbols, door and window symbols and schedules, construction notes.....
and is it possible or practical to have specific details linked to BIM type systems.
I feel this is possible, yet is it practical...
aloha
red -
I think you're right, Red... i'll find out shortly since we just submitted the design to the client and we'll soon go into DD, followed by CDs!
Here is the proposed elevation... more to come.
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Here be some more views... -
And a couple more images: the plan is not in stone, nor is it complete... we just wanted to give them some ideas of where we're going with this design, and just talk through the plan a bit...
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See also this thread - http://forums.sketchucation.com/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=15911
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@troyhome said:
I hope to document my process and work flow as best as i can; in this way adding to the body of working techniques and general knowledge available in this community.
Troy,
Thanks for posting this.
I like to see how others use Sketchup, as well as get ideas and learn better ways to present my own projects. I'm looking forward to the rest of the documentation. -
@tim said:
See also this thread - http://forums.sketchucation.com/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=15911
Thanks- this is the thread that started me thinking about doing this "start to finish" in the first place. Thanks for your contributions!
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Marcus,
Thanks for the encouragement; sharing is what makes us all stronger as individuals... at least on this forum if not in life, eh.
I've learned so much from people on this forum- it's like having a thousand people at your fingertips. -
I would hope that we could do some practical "work thru's" and real life scenario's so that this application of SU/LO becomes truly productive.
specifically, setting up a "working template, complete with all the orthographic scenes, set, layers (and their respective orders) organized, and the Outliner, don't get me started....Details, components libraries, a push from the group to get specific residential architectural suppliers, i.e. Simpson, Kohler, Anderson, .... into 3d models, not the typical 2d autocad files they have,
then into the "how to's " of LayOut...
ruby scripts for door and window schedules, interior finish schedules, electrical symbols / schedules, plumbing fixture, light fixture schedules...But first a "map of needs", a direction, a who can work on this issue or who understands how to work thru this issue....
is this too much to ask from the "group"
aloha
red
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