Optimizing the Price of a 3D Architectural Image: Understanding the 8 Influential Factors for Significant Savings.
1. Order volume
It goes without saying that the volume of orders has a direct impact on the cost of 3D architectural images. For large-scale projects,
It goes without saying that the volume of orders has a direct impact on the cost of 3D architectural images. For large-scale projects, orders generally span a period of 2 to 3 months, and it's not uncommon for new requests to emerge during the marketing cycle of a property project, so it's advisable to plan ahead.
We have developed a partnership programme for regular customers with an annual turnover of more than CHF 40,000. To join this programme, please contact us at hello@hi-render.com.
2. Provide a rough 3d model of the architecture
If you already have a 3D model of your project, this can represent a significant saving on the overall cost of a 3D architectural rendering. However, it is crucial to assess the quality and accuracy of the existing model before using it to create a 3D rendering. If the existing model is not of sufficiently high quality, it may need to be redone, resulting in additional costs.
It is important to note that the cost of this 3D modelling varies according to the size and complexity of the project.
Projects are often classified in three categories of difficulty, with prices ranging from 300 to 800 euros - or even more for modelling an entire city.
3. A made-to-measure project, designed by a rigorous interior architect.
Designing a project that is rich in detail inevitably requires a greater amount of time. This task requires the modelling of specific objects, which can significantly extend the lead time and therefore influence the cost. It's true that we can often use objects that have already been modelled, particularly those from furniture collections by well-known brands. You will find below the various resources relating to this article.
4. Price of a 3D architectural image for a competition
Producing a 3D image for an architectural competition can involve higher costs due to the need to develop designs that are both innovative and complex in order to stand out from the crowd. This involves highly detailed and customised 3D modelling, requiring specialist skills and increased working time.
What's more, to convince a jury, the presentations must display a high degree of precision in terms of detail, textures and lighting. In short, the combination of these requirements significantly increases the time and resources invested, with a direct impact on overall costs.
5. Image resolution
It's crucial to consider the resolution of the 3D image. We generally offer images with a resolution of 2 to 4K, which is more than sufficient for online use or printing in A4 or A3 format. It takes four to six times longer to produce an image for a 2×4 m advertising poster. Even with a very good graphics card, rendering can take more than 10 hours.
For images intended for advertising posters, a minimum resolution of 150 DPI is required. To calculate the pixel resolution required for a 300 cm poster, the formula is as follows: 150 DPI×300 cm/2.54=17,716 pixels150DPI×300cm/2.54=17716pixels.
6. Tight deadlines
Tight deadlines often lead to increased costs for a number of reasons. When time is limited, teams have to work faster, often outside normal working hours, which means overtime paid at a higher rate. In addition, speeding up the process may require additional resources or the use of more expensive methods to meet the deadline. This pressure can also reduce the time available for in-depth planning and review, increasing the risk of errors requiring costly corrections. So time constraints impose logistical and financial challenges that have a direct impact on the price of a 3D architectural image.
7. A 3d image in Night mode
By choosing a night-time ambience, our 3D architecture studio will have to design lighting composed of multiple sources, such as strategically placed lighting elements to highlight the building's architectural features. Although this option offers a distinctive and attractive visual effect, it requires a great deal of work. Each light source requires precise adjustment and thorough rendering tests.
To sum up, opting for a night-time 3D perspective offers a significant graphic advantage, but it also means an increase in the price of a 3D architectural image compared to viewing it in daytime mode.
8. The use of specific models
If you require a 3D furniture model that is not available in our library, additional time will be required to create it. We will estimate this time and provide you with a quote.
It is possible to opt to purchase an existing 3D model from specialist online shops, which can reduce the cost of your architectural 3D image, as it saves us having to create the model from scratch.
Dimensiva is an example of a site where we frequently acquire 3D objects. For more information, visit Dimensiva.
How to reduce the price of a 3D architectural image
Making strategic choices on a tight budget
For those on a limited budget, we recommend the use of an axonometric 3D image for real estate. This is particularly cost-effective compared with a photo-realistic image of a space, such as a living room, which typically costs between CHF/€600 and CHF/€1,200 per image. Opting for an axonometric view of the whole flat can reduce the cost by around 30%. This saving is possible because the 3D artist (CG artist) does not have to spend as much time adjusting lighting, composition, and fine-tuning design and detail. Although less detailed, this approach gives the client a global understanding of the project, making visualisation much easier and the presentation more complete.
Example of a budget for a small building project:
- A good quality image of the exterior: 800 .-
- A good quality image of the interior: 800 .-
- Four plans for a 120 m² flat at 400.00 each: 4 x 400.00 = 1 600.00
Total : 3 200 .-
Creating close-ups or (CLOSE UP) of an image
Close-ups, or CLOSE-UPS, can be used to focus attention on specific details by zooming in on a portion of a scene that has already been modelled. Opting for CLOSE-UPS can significantly reduce the cost of producing 3D images while generating rich content for social networks, adding an extra emotional dimension to the presentation.
It is important to note that the main factor influencing the cost of a 3D architectural image is the creation of new 3D environments, such as the illustration of different facades (example: Face 01 and Face 02).
Front view 01 and CLOS UP view
The number of 3d images inside a single room / CLOSE UP
Producing several 3d images of the interior of the same room can be economical while generating more content. Most of the effort goes into modelling, creating an atmosphere, applying textures and lighting the room. Once this base has been established, generating additional images of the same room is less expensive. It's mainly a question of finding new and interesting angles, working on the composition and producing the 3d rendering in high definition.
These images, often referred to as "close-ups", offer valuable content for social networks, enhance the brand's image and help customers to project themselves into their future interior thanks to detailed views. The price of a 3D architectural image to produce them is reduced.
In conclusion
To sum up, the price of a 3D architectural image depends on various pricing factors.
On the market, a 'standard' rendering will cost around 600 euros, while a 'mid-range' rendering will cost around 800 euros, and for a 'top-of-the-range' rendering, prices will start at 1,200 euros or more.
To obtain a precise estimate of the cost of a 3D rendering, you can fill in a quote request form, with the promise of a rapid response.
If you have any further questions, we suggest you consult our FAQ section.
