| 113 Cutting-edge virtual reality technology Flaxmere Retirement village. Completed House Harginge Road. Imagine being able to walk through your house in exacting detail before it has even been built. That’s exactly what Napier architectural firm Studio 26 Architects offers clients using cutting-edge virtual reality technology that delivers unprecedented detail and realism. “My wife and I recently did a renovation on our home and she walked through it via this technology and went to sit down on a couch that didn’t exist. That’s how real it is,” says Studio 26 Architects director and registered architect Gary Pidd. “We can model the house, section, road, landscape and trees so this means the client can take a virtual walk around their new house and see exactly what it would look like, even the views they would see out the window or if lie on the floor they can look at the ceiling. It’s incredibly detailed.” The system required a specially built computer with water cooling systems to handle the exceptionally high resolution requirements. It operates through high-quality headsets running at 90 frames per second, with models positioned on the exact GPS co-ordinates of the building site. “With resolution capabilities four times greater than standard television displays people can zoom in and read a magazine sitting on a table top,” says Gary. The precision of the technology allows clients to experience authentic sun paths, genuine views and realistic environmental conditions throughout different seasons. “Some clients are in the model for about an hour. It’s a real experience,” says Gary. The virtual reality technology offers real-time design modifications that eliminate much of the uncertainty traditionally associated with construction projects. “While clients are in the machine we can change things like, for example, making a skylight larger so the client can see what it will look like,” explains Gary. The technology’s practical benefits have been demonstrated across recent major projects including a large housing development for Hastings District Council featuring 39 retirement villas, where each unit was individually modelled and positioned on site for comprehensive virtual reality walkthroughs. A recent multi-million dollar Napier residence presented particular design challenges that virtual reality technology helped resolve. The 350 square metres included three bedrooms and was designed to make the most of magnificent views. “The client was unsure about a lot of things but modelling the project in virtual reality made it much easier for them to visualise. It takes a lot of the stress out of the process as people can see exactly what things will look like,” says Gary, emphasising how the technology addresses one of architecture’s greatest challenges - helping clients visualise abstract concepts and technical drawings. The practice has also applied the technology to commercial developments, including a recent Taradale project featuring three shops totalling 400 square metres, each equipped with individual solar panels and innovative external insulation systems. “It’s a very warm building as the insulation is on the outside of the building, not within the walls and roof. So there is no way for the heat to transfer from the inside to the outside and this also helps mitigate moisture within the building. The project utilised insulated pre-cast panels, which also give huge thermal mass in the building so once it gets to temperature it stays stable.” “The project utilised insulated pre-cast panels, which also give huge thermal mass in the building so once it gets to temperature it stays stable.” Studio 26 Architects ARCHITECTURE Phone (06) 843 6801 | P.O. Box 3340 | Onekawa | Napier Dave 027 447 2186 | dave@geareypainting.co.nz Gearey Painting Company Limited Decorating the Bay for over 40 years!!! Laptop Repairs | Computer Servicing | Insurance Assessments | Onsite Service Networking Solutions | Virus & Spyware Removal | Internet & Email Setup Computer Leasing and Hire Products | Custom Desktop Computers Notebooks and Accessories | Network Equipment | Printers | Software Solutions Proud to supply Studio 26 Architects with their technology needs Servicing the Bay for over 40 Years. 06 835 1965 info@computerconnection.co.nz www.computerconnection.co.nz Studio 26 Architects represents the current form of a practice established three decades ago, maintaining strong local connections throughout Hawke’s Bay and delivering projects across the East Coast, Gisborne and New Zealand-wide.
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