You mgiht also try installing the free PLE version of VUE x-stream that integrates seamlessly with 3dsmax. Maybe that would be a good way to get great plants and atmosphere into your 3dsmax. http://www.e-onsoftware.com/products/vue/vue_9_xstream/ It is a workflow I'm currently contemplating myself...so if you try it, let me know how it goes!

@yukonhoo said: wow, yes, exactly like that. Thanks!! Is there a mesh-making plugin as well, or can you do that in normal Sketchup? could you be more specific?

In fact, I should have painted the roof white now as you say. Using "simple" example components to display a style is indeed for not making them distracting.