Mar
9
Punch Home & Landscape Design Suite – First Impressions
Today I had the opportunity to try out the new Home & Landscape Design Suite by Punch! Software. I am an experienced CAD user with a background in many technical, engineering based software platforms, so I know how much time it takes to learn a new modeling software. I was definitely curious and a little skeptical about the Home Design Suite and its claim that you can model the basics of a house in 59 seconds.
The newest version of this award-winning series features a completely new way to get your project started quickly. Its called QuickStart, and it’s designed to get your dream home ideas from your head to your computer in a few easy steps. QuickStart launches as soon as you start a new file, and it’s basically a blank grid, ready for your room shapes.
To start my newest home creation, I just clicked on a room type and dragged the rectangle to the grid. The room types are color coded and sized appropriately, making it even easier to start. Once my blue 12′x14′ dining room was in place, I dragged in a green Kitchen box and resized it to 15′x14′. The color-coded boxes automatically snap to adjoining rooms and resize with a click of your mouse.
About 3 minutes later I had my floorplan completely done. I then hit the “Continue” button and the rudimentary floorplan was transformed into a 3D rendering, complete with a stylish roof! It took about 2 more minutes to add custom windows and doors all over the house, and my basic home was done in under 5 minutes. Not too bad.
Once your basic house is ready, it is super easy to modify, delete, or reshape walls. Then the fun begins: adding wall textures, flooring, furnishings, and landscaping. I will be experimenting more with the Home & Landscape Design Suite later this week (including its new “Going Green” features), so stay tuned for a more in-depth review.
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