Are you planning to import an existing house model from another software into cadvilla? While this process is technically possible, there are several important technical limitations you should consider beforehand. In this article, we will therefore explain in detail how cadvilla handles imported 3D files and why complete house models behave differently than individually drawn projects. Furthermore, you will learn the crucial differences between static 3D objects and dynamic, fully editable cadvilla projects. Consequently, this knowledge will help you choose the right approach for your architectural planning.
An imported file from a third-party 3D format is converted into the program’s internal 3D object format (*.cyg) after the import into cadvilla and can subsequently be used exactly like any other cadvilla 3D OBJECT (e.g., a 3D car).
3D objects can be imported into cadvilla from several third-party 3D formats. These include, for example, the formats 3D DXF, 3D DWG, Collada (.dae), Sketchup (.skp), Wavefront (*.obj), 3DS, and several other third-party formats.
Properties of 3D objects in cadvilla
3D objects from cadvilla can be positioned anywhere in the floor plan, and you can make global changes to them if necessary. These global changes include scaling, distorting, and texturing. A cadvilla 3D object (*.cyg) is, in contrast to a cadvilla project (*.cvp), a static object that cannot be modified in its details afterwards – a static 3D model can only be scaled or distorted as a whole. However, related surfaces contained within it can be textured individually.
Desired changes, such as
- moving or changing the size of windows and doors contained within it,
- changing the utilized window or door types,
- modifications to the roof,
- changes to the floor heights,
- and so on
are not possible with 3D objects.
In contrast, this is definitely possible with cadvilla projects, however.
Therefore, the following applies: The above-mentioned properties of 3D objects do NOT apply to cadvilla projects!
Why are imported 3D models of a house not practically usable?
The main reason for this is that the definitions for the relationships between the contained elements are missing in the supported third-party 3D formats.
Example: Window and Wall
In cadvilla, a window automatically creates a fitting hole when placed in a wall. This relationship between the wall and the window is clearly defined in cadvilla. However, this is not the case with the supported third-party formats. There, it is not defined what a wall or a window is, and the dependencies between these elements are simply missing. Therefore, these properties cannot be adopted during the import into cadvilla.
If you were to move a window in an imported 3D DXF model, a hole in the wall would remain at the original position. At the new position of the window, no hole would be created. You would have to manually define the wall cutout at the new position and delete the old cutout.
Example: Roof
A roof consists of several elements such as the roof covering, a thickness, and a roof framework with attachments. This affiliation is not transmitted in the importable third-party 3D formats. In the event of changes to the roof, all connected elements would have to be adjusted manually.
These missing definitions and dependencies make imported 3D models less useful in cadvilla, as many adjustments have to be made completely manually.
How does a change to the project work in cadvilla?
In cadvilla, elements like a roof are structured complexly and include, among other things, a roof framework and gutters. As soon as the settings for a roof in the roof dialog are completed, the roof framework is calculated automatically, adjacent walls are adjusted accordingly, and the entire roof is seamlessly integrated into the 3D model.
If changes to the roof are required later on, these can be made with just a few clicks in the roof dialog. All dependent elements such as the roof framework, valley flashing, gutters, and walls are updated automatically.
It works similarly when entering windows, doors, stairs, floors, and many other elements. These functions are typical features of a modern CAD program specialized in architecture.
What we want to say with this:
The import of a house via one of the supported 3D formats is only practical if it is required for an overall visualization, similar like a 3D piece of furniture, a 3D car, or a 3D plant. Subsequent changes to the imported 3D house are not possible because only a static 3D object is created during the 3D import.
If the house is needed for further editing and evaluation, the import via these 3D formats is entirely unsuitable. The main reason is that no relationships between the 3D elements are defined in these formats. However, these relationships are crucial in order to meaningfully further edit an imported house.
If you expect that the 3D model of your house can be further edited to create building plans with top views, side views, sections, material lists, and area calculations from it, importing via these 3D formats is definitely the wrong approach.
The correct approach is to create the house using the native functions of cadvilla. In doing so, walls, windows, roofs, etc., are recorded with the corresponding functions. Only in this way can the program understand the relationships of the individual elements and know what, for example, a window or a roof actually is. With this information, changes and additions to the 3D model can then be made rapidly and efficiently.