3D CAD Models

Case Study: Renovation in Seefeld, Zurich

Initial Situation A challenging renovation project in Zurich’s Seefeld district—a classic historic building with fragmented, partially outdated architectural drawings. The biggest uncertainty: floor-to-ceiling heights, ceiling structures, openings, and connection details in the existing plans did not match reality.

Solution VDE surveyed the building directly on-site using 3D laser scanning and delivered a precise as-built model, which the architect used not only as a reference but also as an active working model—for design variations, sections, and detailed connections. Area schedules in accordance with SIA 416 could be generated directly and automatically from the model.

Result Clashes, elevation issues, and spatial dependencies were identified early on. Decisions were made more quickly and with greater confidence—fewer queries, fewer rounds of corrections, and no surprises on the construction site.

“Better to have an overly accurate as-built model than inaccurate or missing information—this allowed deviations to be identified early and resolved cleanly during the planning phase.”

What Is a 3D CAD Model

A 3D CAD model converts the captured point cloud into clean, usable building geometry within your CAD environment.

Walls, ceilings, openings, stairs, and roof geometries are modeled and delivered as a native CAD file—ready for further processing in ArchiCAD, Revit, Allplan, or Vectorworks. No detours, no data loss.

How Your CAD Model Is Created

Laser Scanning of the Building The building is scanned using 3D laser scanners. The georeferenced point cloud forms the basis for modeling—accurate to the millimeter, complete, and ready for processing.

Modeling That Accounts for Deformation Existing buildings are rarely perfectly straight. Crooked walls, deflections, and irregular geometries are accurately represented in the model—not idealized. This is crucial for dimensionally accurate renovation planning.

Modeling in Your CAD Software The model is created directly in ArchiCAD, Revit, Allplan, or Vectorworks—as a native file format that can be used in your workflow without conversion. The level of detail and model structure are tailored to the project requirements.

Flexible Plan Generation Floor plans, sections, elevations, and views can be derived from the 3D model at any time. Plans are generated directly from the model—consistent, updatable, and to scale.

What the CAD Model Does

A Spatial Planning Foundation The model provides a three-dimensional representation of the existing structure—including all elevations, gradients, and geometries. Planning takes place directly within the space, rather than relying solely on incomplete 2D plans.

Direct Further Processing No export effort, no format issues: The model is ready for use in your CAD software. Your planning team can continue working immediately.

Cost-Benefit Optimized Thanks to VDE drawing standards tailored to your construction project and the building, a precise, practical planning basis is created.

Typical Applications

• Conversions and Renovations
• Feasibility studies and preliminary studies
• Building documentation and condition assessments
• Additions and expansions
• Competition entries and planning preparation
• Historic Buildings and Preservation
• Basis for construction planning for existing buildings

Who Can Benefit from a 3D CAD Model?

3D CAD models are suitable for anyone who needs a geometrically precise as-built model in their CAD software:

• Architecture and planning firms
• General contractors
• Historic Preservation & Restoration
• Building owners without BIM requirements
• Real estate owners

VDE and 3D CAD

VDE has been creating 3D CAD models from laser scanning data for over fifteen years. Our models are delivered in ArchiCAD, Revit, Allplan, and Vectorworks—ready to use, precisely modeled, and tailored to your design environment.