Would you like to expand your property with a modern shelter for your car? In this video tutorial, we show you step by step how to design a carport with a pent roof (pitched roof) using the 3D planning software cadvilla. You will learn how to create a precise grid of guidelines, place support columns at different heights, and build the roof structure including struts and beams using 3D surfaces. Finally, we give the model a realistic look by applying suitable textures for wood and glass. This way, you can construct your individual carport in no time at all.

Important note in advance: Please note that carports with a pitched roof can only be created from the product version cadvilla basic plus upwards. In the cadvilla basic version, only carports with straight roofs (flat roofs) can be defined.

The basic procedure for constructing a carport with a pitched roof can be divided into the following clear steps:

1. Preparations and creating a guideline grid

[01:15] Adjust the rough height of the level

• Before we start drawing, we adjust the rough height of the level to the planned height of the carport.
• To do this, right-click on the desired level in the project tree (e.g., ground floor) and select Properties.
• Enter the desired value (e.g., 2.50 m in the video) under Rough height and confirm with OK.

[01:48] Create a guideline grid in the 2D view

• To define the exact dimensions of the carport (e.g., 7 x 5 meters), a guideline grid is recommended.
• To do this, go to the menu 2D & Layout > 2D Guidelines > Guideline > Horizontal guideline (or use the shortcut h). Place the first line.
• Then use the Numeric parallel guideline function (shortcut p) to set another horizontal boundary at the desired distance (e.g., 5.00 m).
• Now set the vertical guidelines. To do this, select 2D & Layout > 2D Guidelines > Guideline > Vertical guideline (or use the shortcut g). Place the first line.
• Then use the Numeric parallel guideline function (shortcut p) to set further vertical boundaries at the desired distances (e.g., 3.50 m, 7.00 m).
• Afterwards, press Escape to close the dialog.

2. Place support columns for the carport

[03:45] Insert the first row of columns (high supports)

• Now we place the columns at the intersections of the guideline grid. Select Building > Supports > Rectangular support > Free positioning.
• Since we are planning a pitched roof, we need two different column heights. We start with the higher supports.
• Before placing them, right-click and select Properties. Define the Width and Depth here (e.g., 0.15 m each). We will leave the Height at the preset 2.50 m for now.
• Now place the first three supports at the lower intersections of the grid and press Escape.

[05:30] Insert the second row of columns (low supports)

• Again, select Building > Supports > Rectangular support > Free positioning.
• Open the Properties again (right-click). Uncheck the box for Automatic height and change the measurement to the desired lower height (e.g., 2.35 m).
• Place these three columns at the upper intersections of the grid and end the input with Escape.

3. Construct lateral struts and beams

[06:32] Create a section view for the struts, draw in guidelines

• For the exact construction of the lateral struts, we create a section view. Select View > New Section View and drag the section line through the carport.
• In this new section view, create a detailed guideline grid again (with horizontal, vertical, and diagonal lines) to specify the exact dimensions and angles of the struts.

[10:05] Draw struts as a 3D surface

• We create the struts via the menu Construction > Single 3D surface > Insert with polygon.
• The program prompts you to determine a plane in the 3D view. To do this, click on the front surface of a support, for example.
• Switch back to the section view and draw the polygon for the strut exactly along your guideline grid.
• After setting the last point, press the right mouse button and select Complete.
• In the properties that now open, define the Thickness (e.g., 0.15 m) and the Distance from plane (e.g., -0.15 m). Repeat this process for all required struts.

[12:56] Place horizontal beams (purlins)

• The creation of the horizontal main beams, which rest on top of the supports, works exactly the same way as the struts.
• Again, select Single 3D surface > Insert with polygon and determine the plane in 3D to which the newly created 3D surface should be parallel. Draw the beam in the section view and finally define the dimensions in the properties.

4. Roof construction and texturing

[15:07] Create roof elements (e.g., glass roof)

• For the construction of 2 glass roof elements, we create a section view to be able to enter the pitched roof surfaces. Select View > New Section View and drag the section line through the carport.
• Draw the guideline grid (with horizontal, vertical, and diagonal lines) for the cross-section of the glass roof surface in this new section view.
• The roof is also constructed using a 3D surface. Select Construction > Single 3D surface > Insert with polygon.
• Click on the top surface of a beam in the 3D view to define the inclined plane for the roof.
• Draw the roof surface in the section view. For larger roofs, we recommend splitting them into two or more 3D surfaces.
• After Complete, define the Thickness in the properties (e.g. (7.95/2) meters for glass) and adjust the Distance from plane to the appropriate value, so that the roof sits centered on the middle beams.
• Repeat the process for the second glass roof element.

[20:08] Texture the carport (wood and glass)

• The visual customization of the carport is easily done via the catalog. Open the Catalog on the right and navigate to Textures > Materials > Wood > Structure.
• Drag and drop the desired wood texture onto the columns, struts, and beams in the 3D view.
• To make the roof look transparent like glass, select 3D Functions > Edit material and select the roof surface in the 3D view. In the material editor dialog, right-click and choose Remove Selection to delete any existing texture. Then set the Transparency (e.g., to 20 %) and confirm with OK. Finally, use Transfer material to transfer this material onto the remaining roof elements.