CU Nov-Dec 2021

CASEstudy
in my head, in a digital environment.
Plus I knew it had to be Vectorworks -
the perfect tool to make the digital
interpretation of my vision for the van -
and it was amazing that Cadventure
could support us with this.
"Once in a state of flow, I knew the
complexities of my design could be
worked through with Vectorworks. Hats
off to the technical team at Vectorworks
too, they continuously push towards a
seamless, empowering design tool!"
With a design proposal initiated Sam
began designing models for the
campervan. Stage one was to create a
concept model. Planning the layout and
configuring spaces for living, sleeping,
cooking, washing, heating - all the
things we take for granted in our
homes. He mapped out dedicated
areas for a fully functional kitchen and
bathroom and even decided to raise
the roof to create more space,
designing a "pop-top" roof.
The first stage model was made of
simple Extrusions and Solid Additions.
The attributes for these extrusions were
set to None in Fill colour and unique
Pen colours to highlight key spaces,
such as the bathroom and kitchen.
Layers were added but were primarily
used to name each space. 20+ Layers
helped Sam move objects around and
create 'process sequences'.
Once happy with a layout, Sam
developed a steel frame to support it.
This included a steel framing Layer and
primary, secondary and bracing Classes
(highlighted in the image top left).
Next came the refinement of the
structure and fleshing out the model
with surfaces. Additional Classes were
used to organise components within
Layers for the sleeping, shower, kitchen,
and lounge spaces. Even insulation and
vapor barriers were modelled.
Samit created a cutting list, also from
the Vectorworks model, which he sent
to his steel work suppliers in Aberdeen
who cut the steel box sections (30mm
x30mm x 1.5mm) to the sizes and
angles shown in the documents
provided.The pop-top roof was also
designed in Vectorworks and built using
steel profiles and hinges which were
welded together.
Sam added: "The project was an
awesome learning curve and I built
version 1 of the massive (4m x 1.2m)
pop-top myself. The structure folded up
and down to create a large, insulated
bedroom with windows on top of our
roof. Vectorworks allowed me to design
efficient, complex geometry in 3D, from
which I could extract 2D Drawings
which steel companies can read and
fabricate."
Elaine Lewis of Cadventure
commented: "We were thrilled to get
onboard with Sam and Molly's vision
and support the design process for
their campervan project. It gave us a
great opportunity to showcase what
Vectorworks can do in the world of tiny
homes. Sam's design flair together with
his knowledge and the technical
capabilities of Vectorworks have proved
a winning combination."
Whilst the project is still ongoing, Sam
has a goal to complete the campervan
in early January and start the journey
across Europe, living solely in the
campervan. This home on wheels is a
true masterpiece and testament to
Sam's ingenuity and the technology
afforded to him through the
Vectorworks software. This is not a
typical project where we would expect
Vectorworks to be applied but certainly
an impressive one just the same.
To follow Sam and Molly's journey you
can keep up with them on their
Instagram page @samandmollie and to
see more detail on Vectorworks in action
visit the Cadventure website here.
www.cadventure.co.uk
www.vectorworks.net
November/December 2021 11