How to Make 3D Model Floor Plans

A picture is worth a thousand words, but sometimes it takes more than words. Floor plans can tell a story. They can say even more when walls rise from those plans and give the viewer a unique perspective on what the final design will look like.

Instructions

1. Draft the floor plan to the desired scale. This will also determine the size of the model. Most models are designed at 1/8-inch scale or 1/16-inch scale. Models for the average size home are done at 1/8-inch scale. Make sure wall thickness is designed to scale. Complete the design on tracing vellum with a drafting pencil.

2. Take completed floor plan to a graphics store that creates blueprints from tracing vellum. Get at least two blueprints done.

3. Cut the floor plan from the blueprint plan. Use an Exacto knife to cut the outer walls of the floor plan.

4. Spray the backside of the blueprint with spray adhesive. This can be obtained at the local graphics store.

5. Apply the cut floor plan to foam core. This material is available in most art stores. Make sure the floor plan is smoothed out over the foam core.

6. Cut the foam core along the outline of the floor plan. Score the foam core several times in order to cut it. Do not attempt to make a complete cut at one time.

7. Create wall elevations with ceiling heights at the same scale as the floor plan. The length of the walls should equal the various walls in the floor plan. Each wall should be cut out and glued to the corresponding wall thickness in the floor plan. Plans with multiple floors may use the same process and stacked on top of each other when completed.