SketchUp’s Dynamic Components
I'm a big fan of the Dynamic Components available in SketchUp. I've prepared this blog entry to showcase the framing (wall studs, floor joists) version of these components.
In this example I took an existing basement remodel model, and began to build the main floor on top of it.
Go to: Components>(should be included in the basic templates) and choose the "Wall Framing" component.
Or Go to: File>3D Warehouse>(and search for dynamic components, joists, wall, 2x4, studs, whatever....)
Once you've placed your component, it's already selected (or select it with your cursor so it's outlined - in blue in my photo), and then Right Click> move down and Select "Dynamic Components">then select "Component Options."
In this case, I changed the 2x4 stud dimensions to 2x6 inches. As you can see, the programmers of this component have provided several options to customize a section of wall framing.
Scaling a Dynamic Component in Google SketchUp
This is the most impressive, time-saving, awesome feature of Dynamic Components: ability to Dynamically Scale.
Select your component (if not already selected), and click the scale button (circled in yellow in the photo). You'll notice that there are neon-green cubes along the perimeter of your object. When you grab one of these and drag it, the wall framing unit will change size to your new dimensions. The best part is that after it resizes, it will automatically fill in with studs spaced to your preference (in my case, every 16 inches).
For those who don't know, if you re-scale a component that isn't dynamic, it begins to look either stretched-out or compacted, (depending on if you rescale larger or smaller), and the end result is a "disproportionate" look. This is why Dynamic Components are a wonderful addition to SketchUp.\
If you have questions, comment on this tutorial and I'll address them.
SketchUp and My Basement Remodel
This post is just to talk about "Layers." I find it very helpful to categorize a project into layers. For example, I put the basement floor and stairs on their very own layer:
But I start my projects with a perimeter (the outer block wall of my basement). I measured my basement. It's important to me when I build a project on the computer that it's to scale. This way, if you're creating a plan, you can be confident that it will probably work in reality. Otherwise, you might as well draw it on a cocktail napkin.
After I created the outer wall (my "framework"), I started on the inner walls. I'm still not sure if I want to have 2 bedrooms or 1 larger one, so this may change. But for now, I've made an office and a bedroom, plus a living room area.
I'm sure some might look at this and think of how they would plan the layout differently. Realize when you work on your projects that you're going to have to work around obstacles. In this case, I'm not going to relocate the toilet or the shower drain, as they're set in concrete and I don't want to get into all that work.
Also, I'm not planning on moving the stairs or main ducts, but would like to move the furnace and hot water heater (which I've done in this model).
I added furniture to get perspective on how livable the rooms will be. This goes back to the importance of taking accurate measurements of the space you want to remodel.
Another great thing about SketchUp is "3D Warehouse" in which you can find just about anything you need (furniture, trees, windows, fixtures, etc...) and download it directly into your model. Saves you the time of making everything from scratch.
When I do make something original, I like to upload it (or "share") so that I'm contributing instead of just taking. Here's the hot tub I made:
Then I decided that I'd need an egress window in each bedroom. I read up on what that would entail, and decided it would be easiest to make a couple of existing windows larger. You can see the lighting scheme and the doors, plus the main ducts in this picture.
I even created the joists in my model to get an idea of how to move some ducts and where to put the recessed lighting. This wasn't necessary, but I was enjoying this project and went all out with details.
SketchUp 7 now has scalable "dynamic" models that you can download from 3D Warehouse, which makes creating joists, 2x4 walls, shelving, and other tasks much easier.
Here's the joists and ceiling drywall.
(click on the pics to see enlarged version)
For Walk Through Animations and different SketchUp projects, check out my website.
Rants
Google Friend Connect
Past Post Dates!
| M | T | W | T | F | S | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| « Jul | ||||||
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | ||
| 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
| 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 |
| 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 |
| 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | |||
Post Categories
Archives
Topical Cloud
Netflix Reccomends I Watch:
- When We Left EarthFollow the 20th century's space race all the way to the moon -- and beyond -- in this incredible, comprehensive six-part documentary series narrated by Gary Sinise. Chronicling America's space program from the early days of the Mercury project to the era of the space shuttle, the sensational series features eye-popping footage from a host of variou […]
- Yellowstone: Battle for LifeFilmed over the course of three seasons, the epic BBC documentary captures the daily struggle for survival waged by the grey wolves, grizzly bears, buffalo, antelope and other wildlife that call Yellowstone National Park home. Ice-cold winters, searingly hot summers and a volcano that's remained active for hundreds of thousands of years make for a spect […]
- Nirvana: Unplugged in New YorkKurt Cobain and his Nirvana bandmates are loose and upbeat for the legendary acoustic performance captured here. Viewers get to see not only the entire set the band played for the popular TV show, but also behind-the-scenes moments such as a goofy version of "Sweet Home Alabama" with guest performers the Meat Puppets; rehearsal takes of "Come […]
- SpongeBob SquarePants: Season 1Deep down in the Pacific Ocean, in the subterranean city of Bikini Bottom, lives a square yellow sea sponge named SpongeBob SquarePants. SpongeBob lives in a pineapple with his pet snail, Gary, loves his job as a fry cook at the Krusty Krab and has a knack for getting into all kinds of trouble without really trying. […]
- New YorkHours of magnificent programming chronicle the history of New York City, from its beginning in 1609, through the turbulent years of change in the decades after World War II, to its present status as one of the planet's most important urban centers. Released in 1999 before the iconic Twin Towers were destroyed, this sweeping documentary series shows a Ne […]