STEP 1

Ok, we will cut to the chase straight away. We’ll start this one off with making holes for windows and doors. So, using Rectangle command, just outline the windows and doors.

image 1

You can actually use the curves from the plans, it might even speed up this process, but I like it this way. After you’ve created all the rectangles needed, we will next create holes with MakeHole command.

image 2

Once you’ve done that (I’ll do the roof windows later) we need to create the windows and doors to fill those holes we just made. So, if you haven’t already, outline other lines on the windows plans. For each window or door we need 3 sets of rectangles. We already have one set. Then we will use outer 2 and using ExtrudeCrv command we will extrude by 1 unit with Cap set to Yes.

image 3

Then, repeat the ExtrudeCrv command with inner two rectangles.

image 4

Then, using PlanarSrf, just create surface out of inner Rectangle.And move the middle extruded part towards inside by 0.5.

image 5

To make it a bit more realistic, you can fillet the edges with FilletEdge command and 0.1 as radius.

image 6

Now, we’ll need to position this window. Move it towards the inside of wall by 0.5.

image 7

The process for the doors and other windows is pretty much the same. Copy the objects that are the same and you already modeled them, and model the other windows and doors.

image 8

Now, let me go back to the roof windows. The problem here is the windows are tilted under certain degree. This way it is pretty hard to model, because everything then is defined by that degree. But thankfully,  since Rhino is such great tool, it lets us adjust CPanel (construction panel) so that the cp is tilted, and when we model on such cpanel, then everything else is normal, modeling wise.

Lets first create some more Rectangles for the windows outlines. After that, just Project the rectangles onto the roof (do that from either front or back viewport because that is the projection direction we need).

image 9

We will set the CPlane orientation, so from Perspective view select one projected rectangle and right click on the “Perspective” name in the viewport, and select Set CPlane->To Object.

image 10

Now it is fairly easy to do anything with this rectangle. So, lets first create the set of 3 rectangles for each window we need. Offset each Rectangle to the inside first by 1 unit, then by 0.5. And using MakeHole we will create holes for the windows:

image 11

Using the same method we used for the other windows, we will create these roof windows.

image 12

For the balconies detailes, I believe you can figure that out on your own. If not, let me know, I’ll explain. Basically all you need is to create Box with 1×1 base, and height the same as on the plans.

Anyway, I hope this was helpful.

Introduction

Before we even start modeling we need Autocad plans of a house. I’ve taken dwg files and saved it as 3dm (native Rhino file format).  You can download it here:

plans

If you like, or if you get stuck with some step, you can download each step individually here:

step 1

step 2

step 3

step 4

step 5

step 6

final

STEP 1

Ok, in this first step we will be setting up our plans in 3D space. Actually we will align each view plan to our viewport in Rhino. But first, we need to group all the lines from each view and put them in a separate layer. Just so we don’t get big pile of curves in one layer, that way we wouldn’t be able to control anything. Organizing in layers is always a great idea because we can easily hide whole layer or lock it.

Ok, so lets start. First create a new layer named Plans and move all other layouts (except Default) inside Plans layers.

You should have your layers setup like this

Now we need separate layers for our views. We need 4 side views and one top. So go on and create new layers (top, front, left, right, back).You should have something like on the image 2.

image 2

Next thing to do is to group each view and put the lines in its layers accordingly.

image 3

image 4

We need to orient our blueprints so they fit in every viewport in Rhino, right now they are all oriented the same way visible in Top view. We will be using RemapCPlane command to do this, so we don’t have to rotate, Rhino can do that for us. So, lets start with Front view. To do so, click on the Front group of curves (or layer) from Top viewport and run RemapCPlane and click anywhere inside front viewport. You should get the same situation like on image 5 below.

image 5

Using Move tool and with help of Osnap (End option would be enough, but just to be sure you can check Intersection too. Near could be a little confusing) we will position our front layer in right place according to our top layer (check image 6).

image 6

We will do this same step for all other views, so we get a “house” made of plans. Sort of. Note: when using RemapCPlane for other views (groups of curves) make sure you use the right viewport and cplane. For example, if you want to remap back layer you will have to select it, run the RemapCPlane and click anywhere on Back viewport. Since Back (or left) viewport is not active by default, you can click on any of 4 viewport names with right mouse button, then Set View, and there you can choose which viewport to use. Just remember, For back group of curves you need back viewport, for right group of curves you need right viewport, and the same applies for left, front and even top.

I don’t think this should be very hard to setup, and once you do, you will have something like on the image 7 below.

And note the orientation of the letters above groups. That should give you pretty good idea of how well you did to recreate this.

image 7