In the world of off-plan real estate, 3D virtual tours have become an indispensable tool for developers, architects, and marketers. These immersive experiences allow potential buyers or investors to explore properties from anywhere and at any time, providing a realistic and interactive view of spaces that may not yet exist in the physical world. The process of creating these virtual tours is intricate, involving a series of steps that require attention to detail, technological expertise, and a deep understanding of the client's vision. This blog post outlines the process for building 3D virtual tours, from the initial client brief to the final product, taking into account key considerations.
The foundation of a successful 3D virtual tour lies in a comprehensive client brief. This initial discussion is crucial to understand the project's scope, its target audience, and the preferred deployment platform (web or app). Typically this phase would start with in-depth, open discussions with the client to understand their objectives. During this phase, it’s essential to thoroughly dive into the details of the project to market, including the story telling, audience, key selling points, and any specific features the client wishes to highlight. Understanding how the client envisions the virtual experience fitting into their real estate marketing strategy is crucial as this will guide the choice of tour to be built, and therefore the results obtained.
Once the brief is clearly understood and the project scope is agreed, the next step involves gathering all necessary information from the client. This includes CAD drawings such as floor plans, elevations, façades, interior design mood boards, any existing renderings or videos, list of main materials and finishes used, to name a few. This information serves as the cornerstone for creating the 3D model and virtual tour. These materials provide the necessary details to ensure accuracy in the representation of the off-plan project. Generally speaking, the more comprehensive the better. This speeds up the overall build process and avoids any confusion down the line. At this stage we may ask for additional information or clarification on certain points.
The process starts with receiving inputs from the client (image generated with Dall-E)
The foundation of any virtual tour is the 3D model. This model is a digital representation of the property, constructed to be as detailed and accurate as possible. If the client already has a 3D model (which is often the case if renderings have been previously made), it can significantly streamline this process. Otherwise, creating a 3D model from the provided files becomes the first major step in the build process. This model is crucial as it forms the bedrock for all types of virtual tours, for example real-time rendered, 360 panoramas, or WebGL tours.
The 3D model is built in specialist software such as 3DSMax or Blender
Once the 3D model is under way, the next step is to adapt it for the specific type of virtual tour being created. In many cases this process can start at the same time as the 3D model is being created, however the main elements of the property’s structure must already have been created in 3D since they form the framework on which to build.
The 3D model serves as the basis to create the necessary renders for a 360 view. This process involves setting up virtual cameras within the model to capture panoramic images from various viewpoints. These panoramic images are then combined together within specialist software to create a seamless virtual tour. Users can navigate from hotspot to hotspot, and observe the environment by rotating and zooming.
The 3D model is imported into a game engine such as Unreal Engine 5 or Unity. These engines are capable of rendering the model in real-time, allowing users to interact with the environment in a fluid and lifelike manner. The game engine provides the tools to incorporate interactive elements and environmental details that bring the space to life. These can for example include life elements such as flying birds or wind, the ability to open doors, and other game like activations.
For realtime 3D tours, the next step is adapting with a game engine like Unreal Engine 5
Adapting the 3D model for WebGL involves optimising the model for web deployment. WebGL tours run directly in web browsers without the need for additional plugins, making them accessible on a wide range of devices. This process requires a balance between maintaining visual quality and ensuring smooth performance across different hardware specifications.
Adding interactive and dynamic elements to the virtual tour enhances the user experience, making it more engaging and informative. This can include anything from clickable hotspots that provide more information about a particular feature, to environmental animations like moving clouds or ripples. Other interactive elements such as the ability to open doors or switch lights on/off further create a lifelike feeling. The method used to add these elements varies depending on the type of virtual tour, but is typically integrated during the build process or added afterwards as an overlay.
Several key considerations must be taken into account while building 3D virtual tours for off-plan real estate :
The virtual tour should be intuitive and easy to navigate, ensuring a positive experience for all users regardless of their familiarity with technology.
Optimising the virtual tour for quick loading times is essential to prevent user drop-off. This is particularly true for web-based tours.
Depending on the goals of the client, ensuring the tour runs well on various devices and browsers is crucial for accessibility.
Striking the right balance between high-quality visuals and smooth performance is key, particularly for WebGL tours. Overloading an experience with unnecessary features will come at the detriment of useability and operational efficiency.
Building an immersive 3D virtual tour is a complex process that combines technological expertise with creative vision. Developers and marketers can use immersive experiences that effectively showcase properties and engage with potential buyers. As technology continues to advance, the possibilities for innovation in virtual tours are exciting, offering new ways to captivate audiences and enhance the off-plan property marketing landscape.
In conclusion, the journey from understanding the client's brief to delivering a sophisticated 3D virtual tour involves a blend of art, technology, and strategic thinking. The end result is a marketing tool that can not only significantly impact buyers' decisions, but also their perception of the developer and their brand. This makes it a valuable asset in an off-plan developer’s marketing strategy.
For developers interested in leveraging these technologies for their off-plan properties, we encourage you to reach out to us. Our team specialises in creating customised visual twin solutions that align with your specific project needs and marketing goals.
