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As beautiful as they are, oak framed structures require the same degree of accuracy afforded to any other building material, especially if the different elements are to be cut to size offsite. Consequently, design tools found in the latest 3D architectural modelling applications are 'de rigueur'.

That is why EmanuelHendry, oak building specialists based in Exeter, uses Vectorworks to create 3D models of the designs they have been asked to work on, either to present them to the client or to collaborate with others on the project. The models are also used to produce accurate sets of production drawings for their carpenters, sawmills, glaziers and other suppliers.

The company designs everything from oak furniture to oak framed buildings. Larger structures, ones that will require fabrication drawings, start out either as 2D drawings or are modelled directly in 3D and are used for preliminary discussions with the client, and to get planning approval for the building. The 2D drawings can be used subsequently to create a 3D model of the building using Vectorworks architectural software overlaying the drawings.

I spoke with Jasper Emanuel from EmanuelHendry about the process, and he told me that after planning and design approval, besides producing detailed fabrication drawings and schedules, the 3D models can be used to create fully-rendered visualisations for the client, 3D PDF documents, or to produce walkthroughs that can either be viewed in the office or taken out on site, so that clients can be guided through the main features of the building in situ.

BURNT HOUSE, HEALEY
Some of the advantages of using Vectorworks are being demonstrated in a current £1.2 million commercial development at Burnt House at Healey in Northumberland. This entails the recreation of a suite of barns (which are not listed) of about 650 square metres. The barns consist of timber framed buildings around a central courtyard, which includes a large vaulted hall capable of receiving 150 guests, kitchens and ancillary rooms for offices and other activities.

Originally a farm complex, the barns comprise a variety of materials - stone walls, some wooden panelling and roofs of slate and corrugated iron.

Those involved in the project besides EmanuelHendry, who are the context designers for the development and producers of the working drawings, include the original architect/designer and an architect/surveyor, who acts as the linkman or coordinator between the different project members.

Vectorworks was an ideal choice for developing the design as all individual oak components, including the primary window frames, had to be individually created in 3D - a quick job using the software's modelling capabilities. As EmanuelHendry was only concerned with the structure of the building, the actual windows and doors themselves were sourced from other manufacturers of standard oak windows and doors, of which there are many.

The design for the wedding venue was developed by the original architect using Revit. The Revit model was imported in IFC format into Vectorworks using its excellent IFC capabilities, where the detailing for the oak structure was carried out.

Surprisingly, a 3D survey was also conducted of the interior of the building, creating point clouds to pinpoint the exact position of trusses and other features, so that the new beams could be inserted in precisely the same position as the original ones. 3D scanning was also used to measure the height of the roof. The ridge height of the barn complex had to be exactly the same as the original height - all part of the planning process which stipulated that, although the buildings weren't listed, the external appearance had to be maintained despite the change of use.

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