Modeling a house in free applications yourself

In this article we will introduce you to several software options for designing a private house. These designers will allow you to create a graphic sketch of a living space yourself, gradually improving the surrounding area with landscape design elements, “attaching” a bathhouse, garage, gazebo and modeling an interior that fully meets your needs. For those who want to do everything with their own hands to the maximum: both build and design.

Free software for designing a private house will help you become an architect of your own home, with which you can create projects both for each room separately and for the entire site. Let's try to start our virtual construction.

Programs for designing houses

There is no need to tell FORUMHOUSE users how important the working design (with the corresponding drawings and calculations) is when building a private house. Its importance is clear to everyone. But not everyone understands that for construction you need to do an architectural design project for a house.

By mastering 3D house design, creating a virtual 3D model of future individual housing in an online constructor, you decide to build a house with your own hands from start to finish. Moreover, you work out all stages of construction not in reality, but in a computer program, taking into account all the dimensions of the construction project with an accuracy of up to a millimeter. Programs for building houses allow you to identify all the inconsistencies at the design stage. You will be able to design a project and understand in time that somewhere it is necessary to increase the flight of stairs by 100 mm or simply move the window opening slightly to the side in the next room. In practice, everything will be created somewhat differently than was originally intended. But modern software, capable of taking into account the thickness of each plank, will model the object in advance in such a way that after construction you do not have to correct errors by redoing part of the work done.

Today we will present to your attention a description of several free programs for modeling houses, which allow you to create ready-made 3D models of houses and plots, conduct quantitative calculations of building materials, and even draw up construction estimates.

To begin with, let us give you a few tips that will help you when choosing free software:

1. The lack of a Russian version of the selected software makes it very difficult to study its functionality and further work with the program. Therefore, if you are not familiar with foreign terminology, then be sure to choose a program in Russian;
2. Before downloading a program, check out its level of complexity and how easy its interface is to use. Try to use reviews from people who have experience with the selected software;
3. Immediately determine your needs and the need for obtaining 3D images. If you want to see everything in volume, then choose software with the appropriate functionality.

Having detailed, simple instructions and videos for working with the selected software will significantly save time on learning it. Ideally, reference materials should be provided with the downloadable version of the software.

KZ-cottage

A very narrow application aimed specifically at working with buildings made of timber logs: log houses and wooden houses. Unusual, but given the demand in this area of ​​construction, it is quite justified. There are many different tools, you can choose the type of logs, beams, boards. And what’s most convenient is that an estimate is immediately drawn up. You can throw together a few quick options and see which one ends up being cheaper or doesn't put too much of a dent in your overall budget.

ArchiCAD is a professional software package for creating virtual models

We will begin our story with a description of the shareware Russified program for creating 3D models ArchiCAD, which has managed to win several awards in the category “Best BIM software for construction.” Precisely from it, because it is very difficult to find a program for the virtual construction of houses with such perfect functionality, which allows you not only to design and construct, but also to count building materials, making simple estimates online.

The concept of “shareware” does not bode well for the user. But in the case of ArchiCAD, this definition does not look so hopeless. After all, anyone can install a fully functional version of this software on their computer, and the program for building a house with extensive capabilities will be available for free use for 30 days. Students and teachers of specialized design educational institutions can receive a free license for a period of one year, and during this time they can design an entire city.

Pan9877FORUMHOUSE user

I downloaded Archicad, registered on the manufacturer’s website and received a 30-day code for the pro version. By registering, you can receive available video lessons for free. Every day they send you a link to the next online video lesson step by step.

There is one more limitation imposed on the house building trial program, but for the demo version it is not significant: you can save and open saved files only on the same computer. After purchasing a license, this restriction can be removed from saved projects (although, in a month you can “squeeze” everything you need out of the program).

Considering that ArchiCAD is a professional program, its functionality is appropriate:

• The ability to create architectural and construction solutions in the field of landscape design, as well as in the areas of building houses and designing the interior of a house or apartment with your own hands;
• Availability of built-in 3D design technology;
• Creation of 2D drawings and 3D models;
• The ability to determine the volume of building structures and calculate the consumption of materials for drawing up construction estimates;
• Creation of animations and videos that allow you to evaluate what the design of a house and its details look like from different points of view;
• In addition, the program allows you not only to design and “build”, but also to take virtual tours of the living quarters of your future home.

NergedoForumHouse User

Archikad is a fairly powerful program for creating houses, focused primarily on creating an interactive architectural model. There are tools for compiling catalogs and tables that take into account the number, volume or any other specified parameter of elements. A technology has been implemented that makes it possible to design the reconstruction of a building. You can make calculations of heating engineering and insolation (though not in accordance with our standards). Calculation of structures is impossible, as is drawing up full estimates with costs and volumes of work.

Working with this online constructor, the designer creates a perfect 3D model of the building. He has the ability to “build” a house on a computer screen, starting from the foundation and ending with the roof and elements of the surrounding landscape. For the virtual construction of a building, tools are used that are an exact embodiment of real objects: walls, windows, external lighting devices, building floors, stairs, etc. Using this program, it is impossible to calculate the load on elements of building structures. But programs that would combine such extensive functionality, in fact, do not exist.

Leo060147 FORUMHOUSE user

The desire to find a program that will do everything for you: come up with a design and calculate all the structures, draw and make an estimate - this is still an unfulfilled desire.

We will return to the issue of software for calculating loads later.

SweetHome, great option

Easy construction and simplified import. And also the opportunity to make a presentation or video series. That is, not only create an interesting sketch, but also show it in all its glory. Of course, working not only with three-dimensional elements, but also with standard two-dimensional drawings. Moreover, inside there is documentation, instructions and even a number of training videos.

It becomes clear that SweetHome is designed primarily for new users, for those who have not yet managed to adapt well to the industry. That’s right, because you don’t need to pay for this pleasure. Distribution is free, without any complex installations or hacks.

Perhaps one of the best options for a beginner. Moreover, you do not lose money if you try to use such an application. If you like it or find it too simple, you can always use analogues.

Google SketchUp is a free program for developing 3D models

Google SketchUp is a professional software designed for modeling, creating three-dimensional models of construction projects, furniture and interiors.

Its main advantage over ArchiCAD is the availability of a completely free version, adapted to the needs of beginning designers, architects and planners. This application has a built-in localization language, so Russian-speaking users can quickly understand the features of its interface. Convenient application. It simplifies the design and construction of a house.

ProsvetUser FORUMHOUSE

SketchUp is a simple, intuitive and convenient program that even a beginner can master in a short time.

Program features:

• Creation and editing of 3D projects (we are talking about projects of houses, interiors, the surrounding landscape and all kinds of architectural objects, designing a bathhouse or designing a garage). The program is intuitive, designing for beginners is allowed.
• The presence in the designer of simple tools that may be familiar to users from the interface of the simplest graphic editors: “pencil”, “eraser”, etc.
• Ability to convert graphic files and created 3D houses into most common graphic formats: PNG, JPG, etc.
• An abundance of detailed reference information and tutorials on working with the program.
• In addition, the program is capable of generating statistics on the consumption of building materials, practically drawing up a plan for purchasing building materials needed to build a house.

The disadvantages of Google SketchUp include the lack of functionality for designing 2D plans. Its main purpose is 3D modeling and design of houses. There are other programs for creating drawings.

Leo060147 FORUMHOUSE user

If for myself, then I would recommend the free program Sketchup 8. In it you can create any designs with great precision (millimeters) and with any detail. All this can be created in 3D. If you want to draw flat drawings, you can do this in the free version of the NANOCAD program.

Since we're talking about the nanoCAD program, let's briefly talk about its capabilities.

VisiCon

The main purpose is design. With such software it will not be possible to calculate the slope of the landscape, determine the degree of flooding of the foundation or the route of communications. Everything is simpler here: arrangement of furniture, decoration, arrangement of rooms relative to each other. There are various elements to add decoration, but that's all. Accordingly, it becomes clear that the main calculation is for an inexperienced user.

Free version of nanoCAD

Being the best Russian development focused on automatic design of drawings, the program for creating houses nanoCAD has its own free version, which has quite a wide range of capabilities:

• Creation of complete plans and drawings during the design of various construction projects;
• Registration of a full package of documents in Russian, included in the detailed construction project;
• Ability to work with dwg files, compatible with other applications belonging to the AutoCAD category.

Free development allows you to solve the main problems that arise when designing construction projects and drawings of medium complexity.

Autodesk 3ds Max, room for creativity

This is where it will turn out to the fullest. The necessary architectural designer program on a PC for designing the facade of a house - here it is. If you want to add real animation to your model, introduce moving objects - no problem. If you want to create a lot of related elements, combine communication systems, foundation, external design in one file - nothing is simpler.

But the disadvantages lie on the surface. The first is high complexity. The second is the unfriendly price.

Specialized program for interior design – Sweet home 3D

The narrowly focused functionality of the Sweet home 3D program is aimed at users who want to simulate the interior of a room in accordance with their needs, but do not want to learn complex professional software. The program has a Russian-language version and a special service for online design. It features a user-friendly interface and flexible settings.

ELITE83FORUMHOUSE user

I came across such a wonderful design program as sweet home 3D. Yes, this is a program for design, not design, but 90% of the planning can be done in it in a matter of hours, and it has quite full-fledged design functionality!

Key features and functions of the program:

• Availability of detailed documentation and training materials in Russian;
• Possibility of simultaneous work with a two-dimensional and three-dimensional model of a room;
• A huge list of items for designing the environment (furniture, household appliances, doors, etc.) and a wide range of settings (at your discretion, you can change sizes, colors, textures, etc.);
• The program allows you to view designs in various modes: “top view”, “virtual visit”, “view from anywhere in the room”, etc.

Arcon, the golden mean

An excellent choice for high-level professionals, as well as for a specialist who is just starting his career. But the average person will definitely not be able to cope here. There are a lot of different features that will be practically useless without specialized education. Separately, I would like to add that there is the possibility of complex work on one task.

There are, as usual, two versions. But unexpectedly, both of them are paid. One is more expensive, and the other is cheaper, but with reduced operating conditions.

Free program for load calculation - "LIRA-SAPR 2013"

Since the topic of our article is devoted to the design of a private house, let’s talk about a program with which you can calculate the load on building structures. Load calculation is a task for professionals whose experience and qualifications go beyond the novice home designer. To implement it, you need to know the theories of strength of materials and construction calculations. Free programs for calculating loads exist, but not everyone can master them.

Rufus86FORUMHOUSE user

The most understandable calculation systems with a large number of manuals and reference literature are, after all, SCAD and LIRA. They are based on the finite element method, but knowledge of the theory in size - “more or less” is not enough to master them.

The freely distributed version of the LIRA-SAPR 2013 program allows you to solve many problems related to the calculation and design of buildings:

• Calculate objects with different numbers of loads.
• Create and view design diagrams and models.
• Access the designer's help system.
• Gain access to program help and training materials.
• Create working drawings automatically (stages of CM, QL, etc.)

HouseCreator

More and more different software is appearing that has a very narrow specificity. There are a lot of techniques here, but all of them are aimed only at the timber.

But the program also has its advantages. For example, in addition to creating a general drawing, there is an option for numbering logs. To avoid confusion, you can simply place a basic large log above your opponent. But it is precisely on the plan that this point is often not taken into account and quite impressive confusion arises.

Material calculation

If designing doesn't interest you, or all you need is to calculate the amount of materials that will be needed to build a house, garage or other structure, then mastering the use of complex software is not at all necessary. To solve such problems, there are many free interactive services (construction calculators) that can be found through any search engine. They will help you plan the purchase of the necessary materials.

You can learn more about the capabilities of simple software for designing building structures by reading the opinions of FORUMHOUSE users in a special section of our website. After reading the lessons on designing houses using the Google SketchUp 8 computer application, you will easily learn how to work in one of the most popular programs for 3D modeling of houses, plots and interiors. A thematic video from FORUMHOUSE will help you understand why a properly designed house allows the future owner to receive a lot of advantages during construction.

Chief Architect

Essentially, the meaning is similar to the previous paragraph. Only here the orientation specifically lies on frame models. If you are planning just such a construction, then this application will not be superfluous. And just for the amateur. Professionals don't usually use these. They will work better in more functional general software. But future residents will be able to look at the desired option.

If you plan to use frame technology and you need a computer program to independently design the layout of a country house, here is an excellent solution.

Attic and roof

The main element that protects a building from precipitation is the roof. At the same time, it plays an important decorative role. The shape, design, materials used are very significant. The space under metal tiles or ondulin is often empty. In many cases, creating additional living space is a good solution. Without changing the angle of inclination, it is possible to place full-fledged rooms with dimensions half as large as those on the first floor.

This solution allows you to increase your home by one and a half times at minimal cost. If changes are made to the roof, this figure can increase to 1.8.

External protection against precipitation must fulfill its main function: reliably withstand rain and wind. In Russia, a very important parameter is the ability to withstand the pressure of the snow layer. In some years, the cover creates forces of up to 1 ton per square meter. Therefore, it is not worth saving on load-bearing structures.

Recently, the minimalist style has become popular. It involves creating a flat roof. This is a rather expensive solution, because the snow does not have the ability to melt and melts as it accumulates from the heat coming from the technical level. The ceiling is made of solid concrete slabs that can withstand heavy loads. Waterproofing is carried out using a layer of bitumen.

Modern realities make it possible to create a very diverse roof and attic design. Only your preferences and financial situation can limit your imagination.

Blender

• Fast 3D modeling
• Realistic materials
• Photorealism
• Animations
• Scan
• Physical simulations
• Game creation
• Object and camera tracking
• Video editing
• Flexible interface

Blender includes a wide range of editors for viewing and modifying various types of data. The most popular of them: developer of 3D models, construction of animations, video, photo and text editors, configuration of nodes and logic of behavior of three-dimensional objects.

Along with supporting a large number of file formats, the program has a library of built-in extensions, with the ability to download additional ones. Among those available: generators of trees, terrain and weather conditions, faction objects, 3D printing, game engines and much more.

Communications

The supply and distribution of electricity, water supply, gas, sewerage, ventilation, information cables leaves an imprint on ease of use and ease of maintenance. Having an approximate layout of objects in the basement and on the first floor, you can already understand how pipelines, air ducts and wires will be laid.

Sometimes you have to adjust the layout in order to simplify and optimize the highways. There are many restrictions and rules for laying, for example, gas pipes. They will have to be taken into account. And it is advisable to develop a system such as wastewater disposal with the possibility of easy maintenance and replacement.

It is also necessary to take into account that all products have a service life limit. And if not you, then your children will sooner or later be forced to update the entire system.

Appearance plays a significant role. A popular method is installation in specially designed niches. Modern materials can solve all problems.

If improperly done water supply and waste disposal do not lead to big troubles, then problems in the supply of gas and electricity can provoke fatal consequences. Therefore, it is better to entrust both the creation of the plan and its execution to competent organizations.

Types of layouts

Layouts of paper houses can be very different. Several options for diverse schemes:

1. the simplest house in terms of making a model and further assembly. Even a child can cope with the work.

2. A more complex type of sketch, the diagram of which contains separate parts for fastening.

3. A beautiful two-story house with a compact facade and its parts. Homogeneous diagram without individual parts.

4. Vertical layout for creating a simple house. Thanks to this scheme, the strength of the product improves.

5. Option for a layout made from separate parts. All parts will have to be glued together step by step, but the shape of the body will be unique.

6. A complex layout of a one-story house and a two-story house, where there is an integrated part in the form of a roof.

Using any ready-made option as a basis, you can create a unique building. Originality can manifest itself in the form of improvements to the layout itself or the finishing decor of the paper home.

How the project is approved before construction begins

So, you made a sketch of the house yourself and, after making more than one attempt, you were able to draw up the plan correctly. Most likely, the project will not be accepted in this form. The number of nuances in construction is so great that even professionals are not immune from minor mistakes.

The best solution would be to provide your experience, wishes, and, based on these parameters, order a working project from a specialized competent organization. The service will allow you to avoid many formalities, for example, electrical wiring and gas supply require certification. In addition, the specialist will most likely notice little things that you did not attach importance to. This will save you time and money. The path from an idea to a document with legal force is quite long and requires a lot of specific knowledge.

What you need to consider when deciding to independently develop a project

It’s worth mentioning right away that you should initially “get involved” with the project only under one condition – when you have time:

• to study theory;
• standards;
• other people's experience;
• mastering computer programs (graphics editors) and various online calculators.

That is, preparation for construction, including design, is carried out slowly, over several months (or even years), and not in an emergency mode, when everything is done in a couple of weeks. In this situation, it is easier to take a standard project; there are plenty of them in free access, including in the corresponding section on the portal. They are quite convenient in standard situations, when there are no problems with the area, shape or topography of the site or specific needs of household members.

Also, do not overestimate your capabilities - without any skills and relevant experience, it is almost impossible to design a “tricky” house. The ground floor, especially with a high water level, has an original shape, the presence of bay windows and balconies, as well as a complex roof with kinks and cuckoos, the prerogative of specialists.

Independently, only the simplest geometry, one or two floors, no frills.

What will look beautiful in the form of a three-dimensional 3D model must also be implemented correctly, and any complication equals an increase in cost. And a cube house, with a harmonious layout of windows and a thoughtful selection of facade materials and colors, will look presentable and will not turn into a long-term construction due to lack of funds.

SmartDraw

Whether you're new to landscape design or a seasoned expert, SmartDraw helps everyone easily create their own backyard designs by adding their desired decorative items to the drawing. SmartDraw allows you to add barbecues and grills, walkways, umbrellas, picnic tables, fountains and lighting to your visual building. The landscape design program SmartDraw operates both online and can be downloaded to your computer. The user is provided with a 7-day trial period.

In addition to creating style content, SmartDraw allows users to animate graphics and create presentations using PowerPoint. With the photo software's built-in functionality, you can import images from digital cameras or smartphones, resize them, adjust brightness and color, and crop pictures. Interface language is English.

You can find the program website at this link.

Software selection problems

Developers of specialized software take into account that their product is used not only by people with an engineering education, but also by ordinary customers. To make virtual design accessible to non-specialists, the programs are equipped with a clear interface with conveniently located tools and their settings. At the same time, the software market is replete with offers; Understanding which program will be optimal for solving your specific problems is not always easy to figure out.

Before diving into the interface of a particular home planning application, it is useful for the average user to evaluate some general features that will affect the user experience. When choosing a program, pay attention to:

• Availability of Russian-language interface. Much of graphics software is intuitive, but English settings can be confusing. For those who are not familiar with the language, mastering the functionality will be problematic.

Russian-language interface helps to master the program Source vip-1gl.ru

• Availability of a user manual or training video. The user will spend less time learning the program's capabilities and will be able to start working on the project faster.
• Functional. Each design program has a specialization and, therefore, limitations (for example, it is suitable for designing a house, but not for a landscape).
• Convenience. If the interface of the main window does not look overloaded, and you can guess the purpose of the tools, even a beginner can create a house project.
• Your computer's hardware limitations. Most specialized software works with three-dimensional models, and therefore is very demanding on machine resources. The parameters of the video card, the amount of RAM, and the processing power of the processor are critically important. To prevent your computer from freezing when trying to render a model, check the system requirements of the software before installing it.

See also: Catalog of companies that specialize in designing country houses

Sometimes rendering with textures requires a powerful computer Source pinterest.co.uk

Ease of use of online services

The main advantages of online programs are the ability to easily and quickly build full-fledged architectural projects. Services help you select textures and additional elements for walls and ceilings, designate window and door openings, fill the interior space with furniture, and even decorate courtyards.

• Online home design allows you to visually plan your future home in the smallest detail.
• The user will not need much time to complete the task.
• The convenient interface of the services facilitates the rapid correction of deficiencies in the layout.
• Most online services are free.
• The presence of a 3D option allows you to view the finished project in detail, as if the house had already been built.