Build Blender model of basic 2-post pergola (with open and closed versions)

[tedbarnett]

We need to generate a scale USDZ model of a typical "pergola" like the images pasted below. We should start with a Blender (or Maya if easier) model that can be used to export the USDZ. We need to be able to show the pergola in 2 states: 1) louvers closed (see photo 01 and 02 below) 2) louvers open (see photo 02 below)

We will start with the "Pivot 6" model, as described here: https://struxure.com/products/pivot-6/

Its exterior dimensions are:

• 24' wide
• 12' tall
• 8' deep
• all beams are 8" in thickness (and square in cross-section)

As in the photos below, it will have a total of 45 louvers (the horizontal bars that can be turned to block the sun/rain). There are 15 louvers in each section of of the top.

The cross bars between each of the 3 sections should have 3 recessed lights to which we can attach emissive "light" materials. See Photo 05 below.

Photo 01 (standard small Pergola model: louvers closed)

Photo 02 (same standard small Pergola model: louvers closed)

Photo 03 (louvers open, white material)

Photo 04 (cross-sections of louver)

Photo 05 (light bar with lights)

Photo 06 (deeper, larger example)

More details available here: https://github.com/tedbarnett/DreamBuilder/issues/3

• But note that we do not need to replicate every screw and bolt on the product: just a "realistic" looking model
• The louvers should be curved as they are in the image above, and can be rotated to open

Future modifications:

• Because each pergola is a custom installation, the dimensions and colors of the product can vary
• Make sure the materials can be changed to black, white, dark grey (and others in the future)
• Make sure we can someday make the model wider or taller
• The model can someday be made "deeper" by using longer louvers (as in photo 03 below)

[tedbarnett]

More data can be found here, but it's probably more detail than we need!
https://struxure.com/for-pros/drawing-3d-models/

[ChiefSeattle]

The overall dimensions should be:

12' deep 20' long 9' tall posts - 8"x8" square posts. The 8" beam all around sits on top of the 9' posts.

Note: The project photos represent different custom sizes. The most common overall size and a good starting point for the model is: 12' x 20'

Here's a link to the design details: https://github.com/user-attachments/files/16972967/Pergola.design.drawing.details.pdf

[tedbarnett]

@ChiefSeattle check out these first-draft models from Alvin:

Closed:

Open:

[ChiefSeattle]

Hi Ted. That's a very close example of the product and should work. I have had some 8' deep pergolas, but the dimensions I was suggesting in an earlier comment are:

The overall dimensions should be: 12' deep (from house-side out) 20' long (overall length mounted to house) 9' tall posts - 8"x8" square posts. The 8" tall beam (the roof component)sits on top of the 9' posts.

Note: The project photos I uploaded represent different custom sizes. The most common overall size and a good starting point for the model is: 12' x 20'

Here's a link to the design details: https://github.com/user-attachments/files/16972967/Pergola.design.drawing.details.pdf

Note: For this project, the posts should be at the corners rather than offset/cantilevered. Majority of orders have posts at the corners.

[ChiefSeattle]

Here's another example of a 12x20 mounted to a roof on a home. The 2 post design often works as a house-mounted or roof-mounted application. The model you're making should be useful to show either customer how the design could look on their home.

Note: if there's a way to adjust the post length to increase or decrease pergola height +/- 1foot in the app that would help adjust for different home designs.

[ChiefSeattle]

Here's a link to a 'visualizer' on the StruXure website. The 12x20 model we're making will be more useful. Having the ability to select different colors for our app would be great, if possible? The extra decorative elements are not necessary.

https://struxure.com/products/pivot-6/pivot6-visualizer/

[ChiefSeattle]

Product color for initial model:

Bronze frame and posts Beige louvers

Lighting:

Downlighting Adding a 'light bar' - the beam across the middle with 3 warm white down lights, under the louvers is a nice option. (Photo below). We can include that in the model. Maybe a way to 'hide' it will help customers see what it looks like with or without it.

RGB accent lighting Ambient rope lighting for the interior perimeter of the ceiling. We offer a remote control that allows customers to change the light color. A single dark blue glow (photo below) will help customer's visualize this lighting option. Maybe a way to 'hide' it will help customers see what it looks like with or without it.

[tantayota]

hello @tedbarnett @ChiefSeattle here is my detailed version of the 2 post pergola. I created a parts by parts 3d model of Post, Beam, Gutter and louvers and assemble as one. each part can be edited to desired length and width and can reduce louvers or add more without modifying animation. I can animate the open and close which is a great feature if we will export it to usdz.

I also created a quick video rendering so we can visualize more. (note. i made a mistake which is the pergola in this video is 24' long but since the 3d models i created is easy to adjust. i already modified it and placed 20' long pergola).

https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/ee503911-e4e5-4111-b6da-d0678bf06eed

[ChiefSeattle]

Looks great!

• Please make the colored accent lighting dark blue and brighter on the ceiling.
• please illuminate the 3 downlight fixtures on each the light bar. Warm white (2700 k) spot lights.

[tedbarnett]

@tantayota Note Chris' latest info on the exact dimensions of the pergola (see above)

[tedbarnett]

@ChiefSeattle Please clarify dimensions one more time. I see a 9' height and an 8' height in the notes above. I am assuming we should use:

• Height: 9 ft (2.7m)
• Width: 20 ft (6.1m)
• Depth: 12 ft (3.7m)

[ChiefSeattle]

The 9 foot ceiling height is correct.

[ChiefSeattle]

Re: accent lighting - if different colors can be selected that would be nice option to have - basic Red / Green / Blue or a color wheel.

[tantayota]

@tedbarnett @ChiefSeattle the current size of the pergola is

Height: 9 ft (2.7m) Width: 20 ft (6.1m) Depth: 12 ft (3.7m)

also in blender i can just select all the objects and just resize the pergola to the size we want in no time.

[tantayota]

as per the color of the lights. i am still looking into it since what we want is USDZ file and we want to include 3d objects, Animations of Open and close of louvers and lightings. I will try to Export it now on USDZ and import into IOS, IpadOS and macOS and check what is usable and what it looks like.

[ChiefSeattle]

If the lights need to be handled separately from the modeling, no problem :)

[tantayota]

Okay cool. I will look into the USDZ now for the best settings.

[ChiefSeattle]

Would like to select different colors for the pergola in the app? Ie. All the same color or 1 color for frame and post and a different color for the louvers.

[tantayota]

I am also looking in that area. In blender i can easily do that. Im just replacing the material applied to the specific parts.

[ChiefSeattle]

Here's a basic UI configuration image example for the pergola. The model colors can be selected, along with lighting options.

[tantayota]

Hello @tedbarnett @ChiefSeattle I have tested in IOS and Ipad the Pergola 3d model that i created using blender which is exported as a USDZ. But the result i am getting is just the 3d model with looping animation and has no lightings .

Here is the link for the blender file and a USDZ file.(Just ignore the USDZ file size for now ill try to reduce it and will use just for testings)

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1eoQElAKu71yDMFqORJ9CmL4Q6Ob8cs7D?usp=sharing

Question. How should we use this 3d model? Are you guys developing an APP that can view this 3d models change its materials and state? this is important because that is the basis of how I should create and prepare 3d Objects.

[ChiefSeattle]

We are developing an app to view the model in live AR view on the side of buildings. We would like to change model colors, sizes, and options (lighting).