The Nested Matrix: Rapid 3D modelling of residential buildings with Sketchup

It’s relatively easy to model a room, a roof or a window. The difficult bit is organising all the components into an easily editable model of a building. This book shows you how adopt a systematic approach to your 3D modelling of residential buildings. The main reason we need a systematic approach is efficiency. Without this approach, you work in the order wrong, you omit thngs, you add unwanted redundant detail, you repeat repeat yourself unnecessarily, you miss the time-saving energy-boosting short-cuts, you lose w_r_ and you develop self-perpetuating bad habits. Why wouldn’t you want a systematic approach? Even if you were to use it for just one project?

Not convinced yet? OK, without a systematic approach, you are less productive, you are more frustrated and 3D modelling becomes less enjoyable! For any project that we undertake, it is human nature to look for the most efficient approach. We naturally seek a methodology to take us logically from one task to the next. The Nested Matrix is one such methodology.

No matter whether the modelling project is a single-storey extension, a major remodelling of a 2-storey house or a complete new-build, we do not want to re-invent the wheel each time by devising a brand-new approach. Life is too short for that. Work becomes so much simpler if we have just one method to process each and every type of project.

The Nested Matrix is a systematic approach that can be applied to any type of project; there is no need to re-think the approach to modelling for each project. The result is that we spend more time thinking about the design and less time on thinking about the mechanics of modelling.

The Nested Matrix approach has the following characteristics:(a)It can be applied to any type or any size of structure (b)The method of construction is not relevant (c)A modular approach that is easy to understand and apply (d)It lends itself to easy and quick design updates (e)It accommodates the modelling of linings, claddings and other layers in the structure (f)Navigation of the model is optimised (f)Workflow is enhanced

Although houses and residential apartment blocks are the focus of this book, the Nested Matrix concept is as relevant to the 3D modelling of commercial structures.

The Nested Matrix is an easily-understood methodology for the rapid transformation of a set of floorplans into a 3D model. It works with all types of structures, irrespective of complexity, the number of levels or the intended method of construction.

This book will give you the skills to:(a)Produce 3D architectural models for a wide range of residential architecture (b)Combine 3D design of structures with 3D design of MEP systems (c)Generate 2D drawings for planning or permit applications (d)Print A3 plans, elevations, sections for use on site (e)Generate 3D models suitable for walk-through or fly-through (f)Generate 3D models suitable for instant rendering, enhanced reality and virtual reality

This book will be of interest to self-builders, architects, architectural technicians, project managers, developers, interior designers, students and the wide range of building specialists. Sketchup is intuitive, powerful and there is a free version for personal usage. There is terrific community support and it is proving to be a real contender versus some of the other CAD-type 3D solutions. For most chapters in this book, you do not need to own a copy of the paid version; you can follow everything except the 2D outputting. Note that this information is correct at the time of publishing.

A complete set of Sketchup files are available for download so that you can easily follow the instructions in the book.