Touch3D - Case Study

Introduction

Touch3D is a leading visualisation company specialising in high-quality CGI for architectural and product design. They create photorealistic images and animations that bring concepts to life, helping clients visualise exact materials, finishes, and landscaping. Beyond stunning visuals, Touch3D’s work aids architects and clients in decision-making, reducing the risk of costly mistakes during the building phase.

Since its founding in 2002 by Grant Watson, Touch3D has relied on NTI for its software, hardware, and IT support needs. Starting with their first Autodesk 3ds Max software, Forest Pack Pro, and V-Ray licenses, NTI has been their trusted partner for over 20 years, ensuring they remain at the forefront of innovation and consistently deliver high-quality results under tight deadlines.

Customer Challenge

One of Touch3D’s loyal clients (Brown + Brown Architects) got in touch with them about a project that was a high-end development (Kings Cairn, Archerfield), and the brief was to provide high-quality architectural visualisations to help support a potentially contentious planning application.

It was also a large development that required visualisations for architectural design verification, facilitating client engagement and design approval, and supporting their expectations throughout the design process.

The design detailing had to be created to a very high level, including the exact proportions, material finishes, and surrounding landscaping, as well as the use of volumetric elements to help enhance atmosphere, etc.

Solution

NTI provided Touch3D not only with their WS Workstation Graphics workstations and associated storage but also all their Autodesk software (3dsMax) and specialist plug-ins.

"We first got in touch with Bluegfx back in 2002 when we started out, and they have always been there with the right products, knowledge, and support", said Grant Watson.

Benefits

3ds Max provides Touch3D with the correct tools to interface with architect outputs, such as SketchUp files, FBX outputs from ArchiCAD and other BIM software, allowing them to convert, adapt, optimise, and evolve their visuals as quickly as possible.

The balance of hardware and software allows them to recreate detailed landscapes (Forest Pack Pro), accurately handle complex lighting models, atmospherics, and then render in a timely manner.

As a result, their clients can explore design options, i.e., compositions, material choices, lighting conditions, etc., quicker, and more realistically.

Results

The building visualisations were very well received by Touch3D’s client, Brown & Brown, and their client. The project successfully gained planning permission and managing the client’s expectation throughout the entire process was exceeded.

In 2021 Touch3D entered the Scottish Design Awards with this project (Kings Cairn, Archerfield) and won the visualisation category.

To read more about their amazing work, please visit www.touch3dmedia.co.uk.