Arthur Quinton commissioned Dimension Modeling to complete a 3-dimensional model of the exterior and the ground floor of the interior of a house in the development. The purpose of the visual images that were fed back to the client, was to resolve the design, the finishes and finally to create marketing images and a DVD movie.

SummerGrove was designed with the open space and use of natural light that is reminiscent of Arthur Quinton's designs. The selection of colour and finishes played an important role on the final design. Dimension Modeling rendered various views for the architect to ensure the correct colour combinations were used on both exteriors and interiors. Detail finishes, like the use of dry pack stone, etc, was also applied to the 3-dimensional model and reflected in the images that were rendered from the data. The type and even the finish of the floors were also detail incorporated into the 3D images to ensure that the visuals extracted had the accurate finishes that were used during the actual building process.

As with all Arthur Quinton designs, light played an important part in defining space and form. Using Bentley's powerful rendering technology, Dimension Modeling achieved accurate light rendering methods to display the light effect and impact on the design, especially the interiors. Photometric light data was used in the 3D model to display the real life lumen amount that would fill the interiors. Combined with the natural light filtering through the interiors, Dimension Modeling ensured that its client received realistic design and marketing data.

Dimension Modeling has been involved in large-scale residential and commercial projects. The purposes of creating 3D digital content have shifted from pure marketing images and animations to them being 3D visual consultants. Creating accurate data for architects and developers ensures that all parties share in a common vision for a project. Being BIM (building information modelling) conscious, Dimension Modeling can deliver more than mere images to a client. Various data can be extracted for further analysis and use by all disciplines involved.

Basing the modelling and rendering on intelligent CAD data, Dimension Modeling uses MicroStation TriForma, by Bentley Systems, for both modelling and rendering. Being able to read and write natively to the popular .dgn and .dwg formats ensures that even CAD data, which has been extracted from the digital model, can be used by most disciplines with no translation loss. Combining this with a built-in rendering engine that can calculate accurate light simulations, Dimension Modeling ensures the highest level of data integrity through the project. MicroStation TriForma forms the base of the 3D visual consulting process that Dimension Modeling offers its clients.

For more information contact Bentley Systems, 011 462 5811, www.bentley.com, or contact Dimension Modeling, 021 913 7620, www.dimensionm.co.za