Do you want to add a beautiful outdoor space to your architectural project? In this tutorial, you will learn how to properly enter and define a terrace using cadvilla. First, we will show you two different methods, depending on whether your ground is flat or uneven. Furthermore, you will discover how to use guidelines for precise placement and how to apply realistic textures. As a result, your 3D model will feature a continuous, professional-looking exterior design.

Please note: The zoom functions demonstrated in the video are only valid up to version 5. In newer versions, you can zoom simply by scrolling the mouse wheel. For further details, please refer to our post on zooming in the 2D and 3D view.

Below is a detailed overview of the video’s content.

1. Two Different Methods of Entering

[00:30] Choose the Right Method

• There are generally two different ways how we can enter a terrace: either as a Single 3D Surface or as a Terrain element. The right choice depends entirely on the topography of your building plot.
• Surface element: You should select this method if you plan to design the terrace parallel to a flat, even surface.
• Terrain element: In contrast, if your property features an uneven terrain with varying height contours, we highly recommend using the terrain element. Consequently, the terrace will automatically adapt to the uneven shape of the different terrain levels.

2. Preparation: Set Guidelines

[01:45] Deactivate Grid and Line Width

• First of all, it is very helpful to temporarily deactivate the grid and the line width for a much better overview. Go to View and uncheck Grid on/off and Line Width on/off. As a result, you will be able to snap to points and orientate yourself much easier.
  

[02:24] Enter Guidelines

• For both terrace methods, we strongly advise using guidelines for support.
• In the top menu, navigate to 2D Layout > 2D guidelines > Guideline > Numeric parallel guideline.
• Alternatively, you can simply press the keyboard shortcut P.
• To define a new guideline, click on an existing wall to use it as a reference line. Afterward, enter the desired distance and confirm by pressing OK or the Enter key.

3. Method 1: Enter the Terrace as a Surface Element

[04:27] Select the Surface Element

• Navigate to the top menu and select Construction > Single 3D Surface > Insert with rectangle (or polygon).

[04:44] Specify the Plane in 3D

• Next, switch to the 3D view and click with the left mouse button on an existing surface (like the grassy ground).
• By doing this, you determine the exact plane to which the new surface element will run parallel.

[05:16] Draw and Define the Terrace

• Now, switch back to the 2D view and draw the rectangle for your terrace along your previously set guidelines.
• Once the shape is closed, the surface settings dialog will open automatically.
• Here, you should check the exact dimensions, such as ensuring the Thickness is set to 0.10 meters.
• Furthermore, if you click on the Tiles section and switch to the 2D Display tab, you can customize the appearance for your floor plan. For instance, change the Fill style to Monochrome and the Fill color to Silver. Confirm everything with OK.

[06:25] Add a Texture to the Surface Element

• To texturize the surface element in the 3D view, open the Catalog on the right side.
• Navigate to Textures > Materials > Wood > Horizontal (or any other folder of your choice).
• Finally, select the desired texture, hold down the left mouse button, and drag and drop it directly onto your surface element in the 3D view.
• Tip: For subsequent adjustments to the material, you can always select 3D Functions > Edit material and click on the texture to open the material editor.

4. Method 2: Enter the Terrace as a Terrain Element

[09:08] Select the Terrain Element

• To use the second method, choose Terrain > Terrain Elements > Terrace > Insert with polygon from the main menu.

[09:31] Draw the Terrace

• Proceed to draw the polygon for your new terrace in the 2D view, using your guidelines as a helpful outline.
• After you have clicked the last corner point, simply press the right mouse button and select Complete from the context menu to finalize the shape.
• When you look at the 3D view, you will instantly notice that the terrace perfectly adapts to the uneven terrain.

[10:33] Texturize the Terrain Element

• Texturing works exactly the same way as with the surface element.
• Open the Catalog, find your preferred material, and drag and drop the texture onto the terrace in the 3D view while holding the left mouse button.

[11:00] Important Information About the Environment Layer

• If you create a terrain element on a different layer than the environment layer, the software will automatically transfer this element into the Environment layer.
• Please remember that every terrain element must always be located entirely within the defined environment frame.
• While placing your terrace, you must always maintain a minimum distance of approximately 1 meter from the outer edges of the environment area.