Planning with SketchUp Models

Planning is an important part of any project. We plan each rainwater tank, rain barrel, rain garden, and cistern system to find ways to make each one more effective and efficient. Today we'd like to introduce you to one of our favorite planning resources: Google SketchUp. This powerful, free tool is easy to use once you learn the basics, and allows you to build a 3-D computer model of almost anything!

Creating a computer model of your project is "virtual practice." You'll be able to perfect your design before you pick up your first tool. And, you can calculate the amount of materials you will need, so you don't end up buying too much or end up short.

Below you can see the SketchUp model of a bridge we built for our rain garden.



Garden Bridge:

3D model by Sarasota Rain Barrels The picture below shows the rain garden bridge final product.

When you spend the time to complete a model before you start to build, you gain the confidence and knowledge that your project will turn out the way you have envisioned it. Plus, if you wish to produce more than one of your creation, having a pre-planned model makes replication a breeze. If you want to create different versions of the same concept, SketchUp has tons of cool features that let you to tweak your models before you start to build. You can see and toggle between the different variations so you can create the perfect set or individualized separates.

Below is a SketchUp model of a variation on our rain garden bridge.If you have an idea for your project, but aren't sure where to start, "thinking out loud" while you create a model is a great place to begin. Google's 3-D Warehouse has hundreds of thousands of models created by others that you can browse, download, and edit to make your own.  

SketchUp is also a great tool for your business. You can import and export images, add your company logo to your models, and transpose your models onto your presentation materials. And, you can print your model images for easy distribution.

If you haven't already, we recommend checking out Google's 3-D Warehouse. You will be pleasantly surprised to see how many fun and interesting ideas exist for all types of projects. While you're there, stop by to check out our rainwater harvesting systems and other models. Who knows? You might just get inspired to create your own!

We hope this information has been helpful. We'll be back soon with more tips, tricks, and information on rainwater harvesting and other fun outdoor and garden projects.

~Sarasota Rain Barrels