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The Creamery

The Creamery

The Creamery

The Creamery

The Creamery

The Creamery

The Creamery

renders for @brenkmanandcompany

renders for @brenkmanandcompany

renders for @brenkmanandcompany

renders for @brenkmanandcompany

renders for @brenkmanandcompany

renders for @brenkmanandcompany

renders for @brenkmanandcompany

Beaver Creamery Complete renderBeaver Creamery wireframe/complete renderBeaver Creamery wireframe render

Project Scope Overview

Client: Brenkman and Company
Location: Beaver, UT
My role in this project was to create visualizations showcasing Brenkman & Company’s custom HVAC designs for the newly renovated Cache Valley Cheese Creamery, a unique retail and café space.

Project Pipeline for Cache Valley Cheese Creamery:

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 Beaver Creamery 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 requirements, emphasizing the family-friendly design and unique commercial kitchen setup.
    • Focused on visualizing the specialized HVAC systems (make-up air units, exhaust fans, and furnaces) and the custom plumbing linking fridges to sewer systems.

    Gather Visual References:

    • Collected visual aids and floor plans of the creamery, referencing commercial kitchens and retail setups to guide accurate detailing.

    Site Context Analysis:

    • Analyzed the creamery’s surrounding environment using Google Maps to reflect the iconic location and structure.

    Reference Organization in PureRef:

    • Compiled all relevant references for seamless access and cohesive planning throughout the process.

2. Model and Asset Preparation:

  • Asset Collection:

    • Downloaded assets related to kitchen equipment, exhaust units, and retail fixtures, adding depth to the scene.
    • Prepared HDRI maps and textures with a focus on commercial kitchen finishes to enhance photorealism.

    Asset Optimization:

    • Converted and scaled assets to ensure smooth integration in 3ds Max for efficient rendering.

3. Base Scene Setup:

  • Import the models of the building and HVAC systems into the 3ds Max scene.
  • Ensure the scene is scaled correctly to match real-world dimensions.
  • Set up initial lighting using HDRI maps and interior lights.
  • Configure V-Ray render settings for optimal performance.
  • Adjust V-Ray environmental settings, such as global illumination and atmospheric effects.
  • Place the imported models and props in the scene, aligning with the layout of the real location.
  • Verify the positioning of all elements, including HVAC components.

4. Test Various Angles

  • Explore various camera angles and perspectives to find the best way to showcase the building and HVAC systems.
  • Choose the final composition that best highlights the client's desired features and focus points.

5. Model Unwrapping and Custom Texturing:

  • When necessary, as was the case in this project, I unwrap certain models to prepare them for detailed texturing.
  • I import the unwrapped models into Substance 3D Painter to bake various mesh maps, such as normal maps and roughness maps.
  • I then create custom textures for these models.
  • Sometimes, I split complex models into separate parts, especially when the buildings provided by architects, draftsmen, or clients contain intricate details.
  • Once the models and props are fully textured in Substance 3D Painter, I import and convert the textures into V-Ray-supported materials, enhancing the models with realistic surface qualities.

6. Refine Scene with V-Ray Vantage:

  • After setting up the scene, use V-Ray Vantage to get a real-time view of the scene with textures applied.
  • Adjust camera angles and compositions based on this textured, real-time view for a more accurate representation of the final output.
  • Conduct high-quality V-Ray Vantage renders to evaluate the scene with its full textures and lighting.
  • Use these renders to get a better feel for the final composition and make any necessary adjustments before proceeding to final rendering.

7. Final Scene Rendering:

  • Once satisfied with the high-quality renders from V-Ray Vantage, proceed to the final rendering of the scene.
  • Render the scene in both EXR format (for maximum flexibility in post-production) and PNG format (for high-quality, ready-to-use images).
  • Ensure that all textures, lighting, and details are optimized for the final output before initiating the render process.

8. Blending and Final Adjustments in Photoshop:

  • I import both the final render from Step 6 into Photoshop.
  • If necessary, I apply adjustments such as curves, levels, and other modifiers to refine the image further.
  • I then utilize Photoshop’s generative fill to add additional elements like props, people, bushes, and trees, making the scene feel more complete and visually dynamic.
Beaver Creamery Complete 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.

Beaver Creamery wireframe renderBeaver Creamery wireframe/complete render
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