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3D printer for house models


Custom Residential 3D Models Fabrication Services

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3D Residential Models + Technology

It’s often difficult for those who are not in the industry to mentally visualize realistic 3D representations from 2D home design images and text descriptions. 3D printers can now affordably quickly produce 3D residential models for portraying ideas and plans to interested parties such as home buyers, city planners, investors and planning commissions.  Investors and potential buyers no longer need to be able to interpret complex AutoCAD print-outs to visualize their potential investments.

3D printing is an emerging technology with unlimited potential.  Advanced printing technologies can now print home designs with a high-degree of accuracy and can reproduce designs with intense detail at an affordable price.

Residential models of single-family homes, condos, apartment complexes and town homes are beneficial in the planning, design, fundraising, construction, marketing and sales process of residential home planning.

Selected Projects Gallery

Features & Benefits of Residential Models

  • Realistic.  A 3D residential model provides a visual perspective that is nearly impossible to achieve from traditional media such as blueprints, drawings or digital computerized models.
  • Reactive. 3D printed home designs allow architects, prospective home owners and contractors the ability to see the home or housing complex in its element.  The design can be printed within its own natural surroundings including terrain, window views, natural sun and seasonal changes.
  • Choice.  Models can be printed with full detail or monochrome and everything in-between.  Using 3D printing you can easily fully print “show” homes and monochrome “place holder” models for showing an entire apartment complex or new housing division.
  • Affordability.  Using 3D printing you can order prints for something as small as a pool to as large as an entire multi-unit, multi-use facility for a low price.
  • Portfolio. 3D prints are an excellent addition to your home design portfolio, which can help you land new clients and investors.
  • Customization.  Using new 3D printing technologies, you can easily customize prints to show details such as the inside of energy efficient walls or electrical and plumbing details.
LED lit residential pool

Customer Reviews

“The model then became the center point of a large media push—the cameras loved the detail and this awareness really helped give life to our goal of expansion. We have proudly displayed this model to our patrons over the last year. This three dimensional model has answered so many questions from our current patrons about what they can look forward to and truly bolstered our ticket sales and development efforts.”

Quinn DietleinDirector of Development - Hale Centre Theatre

“The quality and finish exceed our expectations! Well done! Your team clearly put a lot of effort into this project, and we really appreciate the attention to detail and workmanship. Over the past 10 years we have purchased about 15 scale models from another company, and the quality of your models far exceeds that of any other 3D printed model built for us. Really impressive!”

Don BerginPresident - Blast Deflectors, Inc.

“Since partnering with WhiteClouds, we have been able to enhance the entire architectural experience for our clients! The ability to recreate our client‘s custom log and timber frame home design in the form of a 3D print model, provides a greater clarity as to how the project will look and feel on the specific topography of their building site.”

Jeffery W. CaudillPresident - Winterwoods Homes, Ltd.

Hale Center Theater Model Scale model of an airport blast deflector. Winterwood Homes Model

Technology and Materials for 3D Architectural Models

  • With 3D printing technology, you aren‘t limited to straight lines and boxes. A 3D printer can easily print curved walls and rounded rooflines.
  • We can 3D print models in different materials including UV-cured resin. The type of model determines which material will produce the best results. We can help you choose the material that is best for your project.
  • 3D printed architectural models show incredible detail. The resolution of our printers is finer than a human hair.
  • Architectural models can be 3D printed in full-color (over 750,000 variations of color) for awe-inspiring presentations and displays. No painting required!

Pricing of Custom Residential Models


The cost of residential 3D models is based on the volume of material (size of the model), the time it takes to create the 3D printable file and other elements of the model.  Each model is bid individually and the best way to determine cost is to email us, call us at 385-206-8700, or fill out the form below and let us bid on your project.

Get a Free Price Estimate for 3D Residential Models

Custom Fabrication Workflow

Common Questions & Answers

  • What file type is required to 3D print a model?
    We work with all architectural CAD programs including AutoCAD, Revit, Chief Architect, ArchiCAD and Sketchup, just to name a few. If you design in 3D, we will start with your 3D files. If you have 2D blueprints and elevations, or artist‘s sketches, we can build a model from these files as well.

  • Do the printers print in color?
    Yes. Anything printed in UV-cured resin materials are a single color but can be painted.

  • What is the material used?
    We print in UV-cured resins. We also use hand modeling techniques for large topographies and landscapes.

  • What is the largest model you can 3D print?
    The build envelope on our larger printers is 9“ x 15“ x 20“. This is the largest model we can print in a single piece. We can 3D print larger models in multiple pieces.

  • What is the turnaround time for a 3D-printed residential model?
    We usually ask for four to six weeks from the time we take the order to when you will receive the model. We understand that sometimes deadlines are tight and we can accommodate rush orders in as little as one week.

  • Can you 3D print the interior of a home or building?
    Yes. We can create a model with a removable roof and floors so you can see the layout of the home.

  • Can you 3D print terrain, swimming pools, arbors, hardscaping features, etc.?
    Yes. We can print any features you need.

  • If I want a second model is it cheaper?
    Our pricing is based on the amount of material used and the time it takes to prepare your design. The second model is less money because the design portion is complete.

Do you have a question we didn‘t answer? Don’t hesitate to contact us at 1-385-206-8700 or [email protected].

Worldwide Delivery

WhiteClouds has delivered models around the world.

History of Residential Models

Residential planning designs have been utilized since humans figured out how to connect two sticks together.  Technology has greatly evolved since the dawn of architecture, but the need to visualize a home design before building has existed since humans sought shelter.   In fact, archaeologists have found fired-clay models dating back to nearly 5000 BC.

As home design and building became more expensive and subject to government regulations, the need for accurate and affordable models increased in demand.  Creating 3D home designs from glue, cardboard and paint is tedious and time-consuming.  Old-fashioned modeling is no longer efficient or required. 3D modeling can produce accurate representations as detailed as desired.

Computer Aided Design (CAD) coupled with 3D printing can generate realistic to-scale models that not only accurately represent the original design but also excite the imagination of investors and buyers.

A model of city with a functioning irrigation system. Granite, possibly X-XVI century. The Territory of Peru Ceramic model of the Han period. II century BC. – II century AD.

3D House Plans - 3D Printed House Models

 

House Plans with 3D Printing Options from The Plan Collection

 

One of our most common questions is, “How can I get a better visual of what my home will look like once it is built?” We now offer our first house plan with a 3D printing option.

 

Today, for practical use, home builders and future home owners can actually use 3D printing technology to print out a 3D house plan model from specially prepared files.

 

As you can see, a three dimensional image of House Plan #187-1001 (left) is a helpful start for home builders to get “virtual” 360-degree views of your house plan, with much more detail than static images and renderings. 3D printing technology uses software files to e

ffectively convert your blueprints into an actual physical model of your home. This process allows home builders and owners to get a far better sense of the actual home to be built.

 

Today, for practical use, home builders and future home owners can actually use 3D printing technology to print out a 3D house plan model from specially prepared files.

 

As you can see, a three dimensional image of House Plan #187-1001 (left) is a helpful start for home builders to get “virtual” 360-degree views of your house plan, with much more detail than static images and renderings. 3D printing technology uses software files to effectively convert your blueprints into an actual physical model of your home. This process allows home builders and owners to get a far better sense of the actual home to be built.

 

Our First in the Series of House Plans with 3D Printing: 
Traditional Home with Covered Porch (#187-1001)

 

As the first in our series of house plans with 3D printing options, we selected this beautiful six bedroom home to highlight the openness of the floor plans as you walk through it. Many home owners have a tough time visualizing how floors stack on top of each other. In addition to the second floor, this home also includes a finished basement with two additional bedrooms and family area. The to-scale model allows users to quickly understand how these floors work together as a whole.

 

 

What is 3D printing? What is a 3D printer?

 

3D printing is the process of creating an object through sequential (additive) layering of materials.   By using computer models developed in CAD or similar software, a 3D printer takes a digital model and converts it into a solid or physical one.

 

Benefits of 3D Printing

The benefits of using a 3D printer to create a physical model or replica of your future home include:

  • Visualize all angles and spacing – both exterior AND interior.
     
  • Improve communication with and engage your contractors to get the results you want.
     
  • Provide a detailed emulation of the design found on the blueprints in only a 2D format.
     
  • Showcase the interior and exterior while giving an overview of the entire home before it is built.
     
  • Test the orientation of your home on your property to optimize sunlight in the home.

 

The benefits of using a 3D printer to create a physical model or replica of your future home include:

 

  • Visualize all angles and spacing – both exterior AND interior.
     
  • Improve communication with and engage your contractors to get the results you want.
     
  • Provide a detailed emulation of the design found on the blueprints in only a 2D format.
     
  • Showcase the interior and exterior while giving an overview of the entire home before it is built.
     
  • Test the orientation of your home on your property to optimize sunlight in the home.

 

How can I get my 3D printed model?

If you have a 3D printer at home, then that is a great way to start. MakerBot is perhaps the most popular manufacturer of consumer 3D printers. However, not many people have 3D printers at home yet. Fortunately, there are 3D printer services in many cities and states today. Given that this technology is in such early stages and this is the first in our series of house plans with a 3D printing option, we are offering the 3D printer version of the files at no charge when you purchase a CAD File construction package of plan #187-1001.

 

Can I build my actual house with a 3D printer?

In theory, this could be done – but we wouldn’t advise it! In fact, homes have recently been built or are under development using 3D printers in Amsterdam and Los Angeles already. These homes demonstrate the possibilities of the technology. However, they are also not very practical – while also being extremely expensive. Some would say they are also not very “homey”.

 

3D printing technology is still at its very early stages – think of the personal computer in the early 70s or mobile phones in the early 80s. It is not inconceivable that advances in 3D printing technology could revolutionize the way we build houses. Some potential benefits of 3D printed homes in the future could be:

  • Fewer wasted materials in home construction.
     
  • Less transport of materials and products.
     
  • Homes are built to order.

 

3D printing could even lead to changes in our own preferences in a home design itself.

  • Individual expression.
     
  • Democratization of architectural design.

 

The Plan Collection is constantly looking for new and innovative ways to offer a better user experience with everything related to the house and home building. We welcome your feedback and suggestions.

 

3D printer models

Looking for 3D printer models? The Internet is filled with sites that offer them for free. We have collected the TOP 10 catalogs that you can use to search and download free models in STL format. We hope you can find what you are looking for.

  1. Yeggi
  2. Yobi 3D
  3. STLfinder

→ myminifactory.com

My Mini Factory is a 3D model depository operated by iMakr, an online store that sells 3D printers and accessories. It also has one of the biggest 3D printer shops in Central London. The site contains 3D models designed by professionals, and all models stored on it are checked for quality. You can also make a request for the desired model, which their designers will create and make available to the public. Billing itself as a 3D printing social network, MyMiniFactory is a thriving community of makers who love to showcase their creations. Users vote for the best models, which allows popular creations to rise to the top of the list and gain popularity. The site presents models that are stored in its social network, as well as outside it, for example, on the Thingiverse and YouMagine sites.

→ thingiverse.com

The most popular and famous site among 3D printer users, Thingiverse is owned by MakerBot Industries, the creator of the popular Replicator 3D printer series. The site allows users to store and share 3D model files that are used with 3D printers. It's a very popular site and has a large community of people hosting various categories of files on it. So if you're looking for "cool" printable stuff, Thingiverse is worth a visit. It is a portal designed to provide its users with ways to share their designs and to help print 3D creations. The site has a system that tries to find out what you like. The more you interact with the site, downloading and evaluating various developments, the better its recommendations will be.

→ 3dshook.com

Another online community for 3D printing hobbyists showcasing interesting 3D printer accessories, electronics and most importantly 3D models. The site contains many very interesting models of cars and buildings, as well as various add-ons and spare parts for your 3D printer. A huge catalog of paid and free models for a 3D printer. There are original unique products. Convenient search, navigation, rubricator. 3DShook has over 40 categories and adds over 100 new models to its collection every month. On 3DShook you can always find something for your home, animals, kids or something special for yourself.

→ youmagine. com

YouMagine catalog for Cube series consumer 3D printers manufactured by 3D Systems. The site mainly offers various ways to buy 3D printer supplies and files, but it also has a number of cool free items available, mostly in the Kids section. Some of these elements can be customized by children using an online application. The company offers 3D modeling and publishing tools on its website for both hobbyists and professionals. The site offers a content warehouse where the community hosts and shares models. Registration is required to download files.

→ 123dapp.com

Autodesk 123D is a suite of computer-aided design (CAD) and 3D modeling tools aimed specifically at hobbyists. Along with the toolkit, Autodesk also has a website where users can record their designs and share them with other users. Many of these models can be downloaded and printed using Autodesk as a utility to interface with the MakerBot 3D printer. The goal of the Autodesk website is to "help engineers build products faster. " The site offers tools to help them collaborate on their files. For the casual 3D printing enthusiast, the best part of the site is the large library of free files created by a community of over a million engineers. Registration on the site is required, but the number of files that are then available is worth it.

→ cgtrader.com

Being primarily a place to buy and sell a variety of 3D models (not necessarily just those designed for 3D printers), CGTrader does offer a selection of free models that can be used on 3D printers. The site has a system that tries to find out what you like. The more you interact with the site, downloading and evaluating various developments, the body will have better recommendations.

→ cults3d.com

A French community and marketplace where developers can share or sell their creations. The site has a collection of high quality models that you can download. Users can follow the work of the designers they like and get instant updates when a new creation is posted on the site. The site's name, Cults, is a backwards spelling of St. Luc, the patron saint of artists. The site also supports English. This is a relatively new community, so the number of its users is not very large yet.

→ instructables.com

The Instructables website is a community where users can share their DIY projects. This also includes products obtained using 3D printers. The site also provides explanations and instructions describing how to build 3D elements, and some designers take the time to answer questions from site members. Instructables allows users to store and organize their 3D printing projects. This is done to help them work together in the future. You can think of this site as a GitHub 3D printing site where users can share their files, discuss projects, and participate in them. The site also offers the ability to make a request, so if you can't find what you're looking for, you can ask the site's community about it.

→ pinshape. com

Pinshape, a marketplace for 3D models, is similar in style (layout, look, and ability to capture likes) to the well-known site Pinterest. You can buy models from designers, or download them for printing yourself if they are offered for free. Pinshape allows users to host and share 3D model files on it. Basically, this site acts as an online store where you can buy 3D printed parts, or order your own 3D model to be printed. But if you look closely enough, you can find people who sell their products and also offer the files you need so you can print them yourself.

→ 3dfilemarket.com

A new and growing repository of 3D File Market models. All models are tested for suitability for 3D printing. You can download as many models as you like without registration, although you must provide your email address to access the 3D model files. This is a very simple site aimed at being a repository of model files for 3D printers, and nothing more. The basic design of the site allows users to put files on it for public access, and download files that they would like to use. The site contains many small, simple 3D models ready to be printed, as well as a good selection of everyday items and even spare parts for 3D printers.

Search engines for 3D models in various formats, including STL for a 3D printer. Use queries in English, these search services collect information about models from all over the Internet.

→ yeggi.com

Yeggi is a search engine that will browse major 3D printing sites to find files compatible with 3D printers. You can also look at some popular searches to get an idea of ​​what the community is currently interested in.

→ yobi3d.com

When in doubt, use yobi3D to search for files that match the desired 3D printer. This tool is useful if you want to search for one thing across all sites at once. A very convenient format filter, fast search, high-quality previews and stl models prepared for 3D printing for printing.

→ stlfinder.com

This is another STLfinder that surfs the web looking for 3D printing. To select files compatible with 3D printers, he goes through many 3D modeling sites.

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