Three-Dimensional Building Design

NorthStar Engineering provides three-dimensional building design and rendering services. We can provide you with photorealistic renderings, walk-throughs and also assist with a obtaining a stereolithographic 3-D (physical) model of your project.

Most other engineering and / or building design firms create their plans in 2-D. With plans drafted in 2-D, the elevations do not have to match the sections, and the

sections do not have to match the floor plan, etc. Each view (sections, elevations, floor

plan, roof plan, etc.) is independent of the other views. It’s not uncommon for plans

drafted in 2-D to have a window / door shown in one place on the floor plan and

another place on the elevations. It's also not uncommon for plans drafted in 2-D to have stairs illustrated that don't really work or a roof shown incorrectly. This can result in costly and time-consuming field modifications.

Plans drafted in 3-D offer significant improvements over plans drafted in 2-D. With

3-D plans, everything is drawn once, saving time and increasing accuracy. The 3-D model that is created contains all plan, elevation and section views within it. This means if a window is illustrated in one location on the elevations it will be illustrated in the same location on the floor plans. The 3-D model helps ensure that any stairs are configured correctly and that the roof lines illustrated on the plans will work. Below is an example of our three-dimensional building design services.

Click image to see sample (858 kB)

(Requires Autodesk DWF Viewer)

If you would like to view the 3-D model on your computer, please first download the Autodesk DWF Viewer using the link below. It's a relatively small download and it's free! Be sure to try the 3-D orbit icon within the program to see the model from all angles.

For additional information, feel free to contact us directly at (530) 893-1600 or send an email to sturnquist@northstareng.com . Ask for Scott Turnquist, PE, LEED AP.