Making of New Castle, Sydney: Pushing the Boundaries of Architectural Walkthrough
- Kamaljit Singh
- May 5, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: May 10, 2024
The ‘New Castle’ project was a journey of discovery, innovation, and growth. This project was not just about creating a 3D walkthrough; it was about pushing the boundaries of architectural visualization, overcoming challenges, and reflecting on the learning experiences that shaped me as an expert today.
In 2019, I embarked on a transformative journey that would redefine my approach to 3D walkthroughs. The project was ‘New Castle’, a luxury residence nestled in the tranquil outskirts of Sydney, Australia.
Phase One: Site Detailing
The first challenge was the site detailing. The terrain was contoured, and the landscape was lush with trees and grass. I had to create a realistic representation of this vast site, complete with roads and other features. Drawing from my experience with the ‘Belle Vue Chalet’ project, I created a detailed terrain using advanced modeling techniques and added a procedural texture to the ground. I used RailClone to model the roads and meticulously detailed the entire 360-degree view of the site with advanced scattering plugins to manage memory limits.
Phase Two: Building and Texturing
The second phase involved building and texturing. The goal was to achieve highly detailed textures that looked realistic from both far and close. I cleaned up the received BIM model and reversibly connected it into the 3D application. Created highly realistic and detailed textures combining my previous knowledge with new resources.
Phase Three: Interior Design
The interior design was a significant part of the project. I was tasked with detailing the interiors myself, which involved researching luxury interiors in white and golden, and creating a theme for the lobby, double height entrance, grand stairwell, kitchen, drawing room, and cellar. I added lighting and furniture using the Project Manager plugin, which allowed me to place and swap models easily and quickly.
Phase Four: Lighting and Photographic Exposure
One of the most critical aspects of this project was achieving a balance between the interior and exterior lighting. This was crucial to create a seamless transition between the indoor and outdoor scenes, and to ensure that the textures and details were accurately represented in different lighting conditions.
Phase Five: Environment Simulation
The fifth phase was perhaps the most challenging - simulating the environment. I used tyFlow to simulate different vegetation types, curtains, and even vehicles. I created a wind actor and clothes actor from the curtain geometry and scripted them to simulate. I also used the MadCar plugin to simulate a car driving into the garage. I simulated water in the pool using tyFlow and Phoenix FX, and even added realistic people using Daz Studio.
Phase Six: Rendering and Compositing
This was a mammoth task, given the size of the scenes. I tested different V-Ray rendering scenarios for the specific scene and eventually created my optimal V-Ray setting. This phase was a significant learning experience, and it paved the way for handling larger projects in the future.
I chose to render simulated parts separately, including elements such as cars, curtains, people, and leaves. This approach provided me with greater flexibility over the rendered frames. In this final phase, I utilized DaVinci Fusion to combine different animated render elements into a cohesive video. This process allowed me to have control over each element and fine-tune the details to achieve the desired result.
Phase Seven: Editing & Colorgrading: The last part of this phase involved editing. I selected a fitting music track that complemented the visual narrative of the project. The aim was to create a cinematic edit of the project, weaving all the elements together into a compelling story. This process involved making creative decisions based on my experience in editing, color grading, and storytelling. The goal was to create an impactful presentation that truly showcased the project’s essence and the journey behind its creation.
The ‘New Castle’ project was a transformative journey for me. It pushed me to learn new skills, overcome challenges, and create a stunning 3D visualization that I am incredibly proud of. This project served as a stepping stone for future projects and helped me establish a strong presence in the field of 3D visualization.
The Walkthrough
The result was a stunning cinematic-style walkthrough and virtual reality tour of the luxury property. The project was designed using BIM and ported into 3D application, utilizing advanced rendering technologies, tyFlow & RailClone scripting and parameterization, and post-production compositing with Fusion and DaVinci Resolve.
The surroundings were heavily landscaped and detailed, featuring billions of polygons, a complex contoured site with curved roads, animated artificial lighting, and a hyperrealistic day-night cycle. Additional physics-based scripted simulations such as animated water, flowing curtains, wind, interacting leaves, vehicle physics, and character animation brought the environment to life.
As an added bonus, the project also featured a virtual reality experience with over 40 8K panoramic shots, allowing viewers to explore the property in an unprecedented manner. You can move freely throughout the entire project, switch between day and night, and appreciate even the smallest details up close.
This project, ‘New Castle’, is a prime example of architecture and 3D design at its finest. Don’t miss out on this incredible architectural visualization and virtual reality experience. Check out the VR experience here.
This project offers a sneak peek into my diverse portfolio. As an Innovation Architect at Archirium, I’ve had the privilege of merging creative workflows from various fields. My portfolio encompasses architectural and interior design projects, design presentation development projects like walkthrough and visualization, and interactive designs using a range of technologies like Unreal Engine and film, each presenting its own unique set of challenges and rewards.
I encourage you to delve deeper into my work on my website.
Portfolio: www.archirium.com
Instagram @ lotus.archirium
LInkedin @ Lotus-Kamal
Youtube @ LotusofArchirium
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