Re: My own home (as is)I really appreciate you taking the time to post your comments.
It depends on what the purpose of the model is. Is it going to be used as part of getting required permissions or permits? Or is it just for a starting point for figuring out what changes you wish to make?
The model's purpose is to have it as a starting point for figuring out my options for the remodeling project.
Not knowing what your planning departments require, I'd say it is likely not enough for your "existing" plans/drawings. It certainly can't produce the necessary drawings for my location.
When the time comes, I'll use a CAD software to prepare the blueprints as required by our City Hall.
For re-imagining your home, I'd say it is a good model to start from... with one exception. Your levels make no sense. I have to hide things (the roof) to see either the plan or an overhead aerial view.
Roofs should be on a separate level "above" the "PB-Architectura" level so that I can select "PB-Architectura" and see the ground floor layout easily. By "above" it can keep the same elevation, just above "PB-Architectura" in the level list.
Also consider that most of your time and focus will be on the ground floor layout of your home. Consider putting everything else (garden and boundary walls, the other small building, etc) on another level also at the same elevation. This just makes it easier to focus in on the main building when figuring out your changes by using Ctrl-Shift-H to hide all the other levels.
Roofs should be on a separate level "above" the "PB-Architectura" level so that I can select "PB-Architectura" and see the ground floor layout easily. By "above" it can keep the same elevation, just above "PB-Architectura" in the level list.
Also consider that most of your time and focus will be on the ground floor layout of your home. Consider putting everything else (garden and boundary walls, the other small building, etc) on another level also at the same elevation. This just makes it easier to focus in on the main building when figuring out your changes by using Ctrl-Shift-H to hide all the other levels.
True, it is really annoying when I have to hide and unhide the roof all the time. The same goes for keeping the focus on the main building. Thank you so much for your suggestion. I will certainly follow your advice.
Last suggestion (I promise) is to mark any load bearing walls, if any. Maybe use a different wall pattern in the plan. That way it is easier to see what cannot be shifted, and must be incorporated into any new design. In particular check if your roof ridge is supported at all by the walls that look like they run directly underneath.
Without knowing what constraints you have, and what you think you could do, I have to say the current design looks very efficient and compact. I'm struggling to see how the current plan could be improved without extending out or up. (I'm assuming you want to keep it a 3-bedroom property.)
Without knowing what constraints you have, and what you think you could do, I have to say the current design looks very efficient and compact. I'm struggling to see how the current plan could be improved without extending out or up. (I'm assuming you want to keep it a 3-bedroom property.)
The idea I am considering is to expand up. I have already reviewed the existing structure and determined that I will be able to expand on the upper floor by reinforcing the existing slab with a reinforced concrete compression layer using a welded steel reticulated mesh walled into the perimeter walls. The dividing walls on the upper floor will not be made of masonry but steel framing (dry construction system), which will significantly reduce the load on the slab. I still have to define the final usable area, since that depends on the new geometry and elevation of the roof, which will have windows to the front and the back of the house. The only section I will need to reinforce is the one on top of the ground-floor bathroom, which will have another bathroom on top of it on the upper level.
Thank you again for your input!
