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3D Home Architect Deluxe

Tony Zilles

3D Home Architect Deluxe is one application that makes it very easy to draw building shapes and provides good control over wall heights and thicknesses. Windows and doors are also easy to define and fairly flexible in style. This package generates its 3D images very quickly which is another big plus. Although the renderings are simple by comparison with other packages, as well as being very fast they are very easy to read and understand. 3D Home Architect also does sections, footing plans and up to four floor levels.

The interface is Windows 3.1 which makes it a bit dated. I missed toolbars and right mouse actions that would have greatly improved usability. Wall openings such as doors and windows are dimensioned to the centre rather than to the sides which doesn’t particularly relate to how the building will be constructed. In spite of this, the automatic dimensioning of the building was fast and impressive.

Upper left window shows the dimensioned plan. Note the red section line. Lower left window shows the automatic section. Upper right is the automatic isometric with roof off and custom colors defined. Lower right windows shows the same view with the roof on.

Getting a print out of your plan or 3D image is a piece of cake and works exactly as you would expect it to. However, clicking on Properties in the Print dialog box only allows you to change the properties of the default printer. Not a problem if you have just one printer, but something to watch for if you have two (or heaven forbid, more).

This is a solid package with useful features and a no-frills 3D presentation style that has much commend it. It does not require a of computing power to run which also makes it very attractive for many users.

Rating
Ease-of-use
Functionality
Export/import facility
International units/standards support
Ease of installation
Documentation
Hardware friendly
Value for money
Scores and opinions given here are personal assessments and not derived by any scientific process. You should base a purchasing decision solely on this information.

 

Minimum Hardware Requirements
CPU	486/33
Operating System	Windows 3.1 or 95
RAM	4 Mb for Win 3.1, 8Mb for Win 95
Graphics	640x480 pixel VGA
Hard disk space	16Mb
CD-ROM	Required

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Resource Center 3D Home Architect Deluxe under US$50

 

 

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