To help designers and architects simplify the design process, KraftMaid is now offering 3-D cabinet models as Google SketchUp Dynamic Components in the Google 3D Warehouse. As Dynamic Components, these models make it easier than ever for designers to create highly functional, personalized spaces for their clients.
“The advanced function built within each of our 3-D models is an industry first for kitchen cabinets,” said Mark Johnson, director of sales and marketing education at KraftMaid. “Since the cabinet collections are modeled as Dynamic Components, designers can show their clients a virtual kitchen, bath, home office or laundry room design with animated cabinet doors and drawers. They can even preview design options like base cabinet rollout drawers for aging-in-place or Universal Design applications. Designers can size and resize the cabinets to any dimensions we make, access specification information embedded within each model and hotlink back to the KraftMaid website for more information. Our new smart models are a perfect “BIM Light” solution since they can be downloaded for free from Google 3D Warehouse directly into SketchUp and other residential CAD programs. It’s easier for clients to experience designs in 3-D and see what options work best for them.”
Dynamic Components are SketchUp components to which attributes have been assigned. Attributes can be simple pieces of additional information, such as part numbers and dimensions. Additionally, attributes can contain spatial relationships, such as how two parts are positioned in relation to each other, and behaviors, such as animation and smart scaling.
“Storage opportunities can often be missed when designing a kitchen because clients can’t visualize their cabinetry’s true functionality,” added Johnson. “Dynamic Components allow designers and clients to virtually open doors, pull out drawers and get an understanding of which types of interior storage options will best fit their needs.”
Google SketchUp was developed to provide quick 3-D forms for conceptual stages of design, including a repository of 3-D objects that accelerate the design process, called the Google 3D Warehouse. SketchUp models can be converted into all major CAD products without having to draw designs twice.
KraftMaid Dynamic Components 3-D models are produced by digital media firm Igloo Studios. To download these models from the Google 3D Warehouse, visit
http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse and search “Collections” using the search words, “KraftMaid Cabinetry by MASCO.”
