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renders for @brenkmanandcompany

renders for @brenkmanandcompany

renders for @brenkmanandcompany

renders for @brenkmanandcompany

renders for @brenkmanandcompany

renders for @brenkmanandcompany

renders for @brenkmanandcompany

Big-o-Tire RenderBig-o-tire wireframe renderBig-o-tire wireframe/complete render

Project Scope Overview

Client: Brenkman and Company
Location: West Point, UT
My role in this project was to create visuals that emphasize Brenkman & Company’s HVAC designs for both the office and shop units of Big O Tire's West Point facility.

Objective:

To create visually compelling renders that showcase the HVAC design integration by Brenkman & Company for the Big O Tire project. The client specifically requested a specialized wireframe render by making the building structure transparent and the HVAC components prominently visible.

Project Pipeline for Big O Tire:

1. Client Meeting & Initial Understanding:

The process started with a detailed meeting with the client to understand their goal of showcasing their advanced HVAC systems without the need for physical site visits. This discussion established the overall direction and set expectations for the project.

2. Questionnaire to Gather Specifics:

To ensure all aspects of the project were covered, I followed up with a tailored questionnaire that dives into the specifics. This helped to clarify and confirm requirements such as:

    • Type of Renders Needed:
      I asked whether they needed interior, exterior, or animation renders, depending on how they wanted to present their HVAC integration.

    • Render Style:
      I inquired about the style they envisioned—photorealistic, wireframe, cut-out, or sketch—and whether the setting should be depicted in daytime or nighttime, summer or winter, and if the space should appear active with staff and cars or empty for a cleaner focus on the HVAC system.

    • Location Details:
      I asked where Big O Tire is specifically located, ensuring that the render would match the exact environment of the site.

    • Project Files and Models:
      I then asked whether they had project files of the building, such as AutoCAD drawings or BIM models. I also checked if they had detailed models of the HVAC systems that they use for their design purposes or if they needed me to model the systems and building from scratch. Often, clients already have these files since they use them for their own design and planning.

    • Point of Contact for Models:
      I inquired if there was a specific person I could contact to obtain high-detail building and HVAC models, and for permission to use those models in the render project.

    • Showcase Focus:
      Next, I asked if there were any particular HVAC systems, building features, or angles they wanted to emphasize. This could include highlighting the unit heaters, radiant tube heaters, or specific vehicle exhaust systems within the garage.

    • Visual Representation of HVAC in Action:
      I also checked whether they wanted additional graphics to indicate how the HVAC systems function—like using arrow vectors to show airflow and heat regulation—or any other way to visually demonstrate the HVAC "in action."

    • Usage and Optimization Needs:
      I clarified the intended use of the renders—whether for web (requiring web-optimized images) or print (requiring print-ready high-resolution files). Usually, I combine all necessary versions into a single zip file for easy access.

    • Time Frame or Deadline:
      Finally, I asked about their desired time frame or deadline for delivery, ensuring that I could align my workflow with their schedule and complete the project on time.

3. Design Process:

After gathering all the necessary models, information, and client input, I began the design process. This included creating detailed scenes and ensuring the accuracy of HVAC systems and building structures in the renders.

4. Regular Updates:

I provided daily or bi-daily updates to the client on my progress, making adjustments as needed based on any new input or feedback.

5. Presentation of Final Renders:

Upon completion, I scheduled a meeting to present the renders to the client, ensuring they met their vision and expectations.

6. Payment:

Payment terms were handled based on the client's preference and my business model, which allows for both hourly rates and package deals. The specifics of this arrangement remain confidential between myself and the client.

Design Process:

1. Initial Research and Reference Gathering

Scope Analysis:

  • Reviewed the project’s scope, particularly focusing on realistic portrayal of HVAC systems (rooftop units and radiant tube heaters) and plumbing designs for compressed air systems, domestic water, and sewer lines.

Gather Visual References:

  • Organized project documentation, diagrams, and provided images to guide the design.
  • Researched industrial environments to enhance visual accuracy for the galvanized metal textures of the HVAC units and shop areas.

Site Context Analysis:

  • Used Google Maps and available imagery to understand the building’s setting for environmental accuracy.

Reference Organization in PureRef:

  • Compiled reference materials and visual aids for quick access throughout the project.

2. Model and Asset Preparation

  • Asset Collection:

    • Downloaded essential props, such as exterior lighting fixtures and boxes, to add depth to the scene.
    • Prepared HDRI maps and high-quality texture sets for industrial elements like galvanized metal to ensure photorealistic finishes.

    Asset Optimization:

    • Converted and organized assets to be compatible with 3ds Max for efficient workflow.

3. Base Scene Setup:

  • Model Import & Scaling:

    • Imported building models and ensured accurate scaling of all elements.

    Scene Optimization:

    • Configured V-Ray settings for realistic lighting and shadow casting, particularly to highlight the metallic surfaces of the HVAC and shop areas.

    Lighting Configuration:

    • Adjusted initial lighting to emphasize reflective surfaces on the galvanized metal.

    Asset Placement:

    • Precisely positioned HVAC and plumbing assets according to their real-world layout, ensuring accuracy in portrayal.

4. Camera Angles and Composition

  • Test Camera Angles:

    • Explored various viewpoints that highlight HVAC rooftop units and radiant heaters in the shop.

5. Custom Texturing and Model Preparation

  • Unwrapping Models:

    • Unwrapped the galvanized metal components for the HVAC units to ensure seamless texturing.

    Texture Design in Substance 3D Painter:

    • Created custom metallic textures for galvanized metal surfaces on HVAC systems and tubing, focusing on photorealism.

    Texture Conversion:

    • Converted textures for compatibility with V-Ray, enhancing the lifelike quality of reflective and metallic finishes.

6. Real-Time Scene Preview with V-Ray Vantage

  • Preview Textured Scene:

    • Used V-Ray Vantage for real-time previews to assess texture quality, reflections, and light interactions on metallic surfaces.

    HQ Renders for Review:

    • Generated high-quality preview renders to finalize scene composition.

7. Final Scene Rendering:

  • Render in EXR and PNG Formats:

    • Executed the final render in multiple formats for flexibility in post-processing.

8. Post-Processing in Photoshop & Stable Diffusion

  • Photoshop Enhancements:

    • Imported renders into Photoshop to refine contrast, color, and detail.

    Stable Diffusion for Detail Enhancement:

    • Employed Stable Diffusion to add extra environmental textures, subtly enhancing realism.

    Final Composite:

    • Combined Stable Diffusion output with the primary render, achieving a cohesive, polished final image.
Big-o-Tire Render

Additional Work:

Wireframe Render Highlighting HVAC Integration

  • The client requested an additional wireframe render to clearly showcase the HVAC integration within the building. Here’s how I achieved this effect:

    1. Wireframe Material Setup:

      • I created a custom material preset where the fill was transparent, and the outline (stroke) was set to pure white. This produced a wireframe effect with a clear alpha channel in the render channels and a black background.

    2. Separating Building and HVAC Renders:

      • I rendered the building as a transparent wireframe, highlighting only the structural edges.
      • For the HVAC system, I kept it fully textured and photorealistic, rendering it as a separate pass.

    3. Compositing in Photoshop:

      • I layered both renders in Photoshop. I then applied a color overlay to the wireframe’s alpha channel, giving it a “design or draft” appearance.
      • By maintaining the HVAC system’s photorealism against the transparent building structure, I effectively made the HVAC system the focal point of the render, bringing visibility to components that would typically be hidden within the building.

    4. Final Refinements:

      • I made additional adjustments to further enhance contrast and clarity, achieving a polished result that highlights the HVAC system’s integration in an architecturally pleasing manner.

    The resulting render effectively captures the complexity of the HVAC system within the transparent building, presenting a clean, draught-like aesthetic for easy viewing.

Big-o-tire wireframe/complete render
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