Architectural Designs

Does anyone know of any free, 3-D architectural design software out there?

I'm looking for some preferably free software that I can use to make a 3-D design of my house and exterior etc. Just wondered if anyone knew of any? Thanks Guys! Will Smith Cheers guys! Thanks for your help...

Public Comments

1. Google has a new one called Sketch Up http://www.sketchup.com/
2. Yes, Google SketchUP http://sketchup.google.com/
3. here's a start.: http://en.softonic.com/search/cad although i'd learn to transfer file types to newer soft.versions to make big bucks. Then just buy old stock on DVD.
4. Well, if you want a challenge, but still free and useful program, the I suggest getting Blender. This program is very complicated and takes getting used to, but it is quite decent for graphic designing (Plus most importantly ITS FREE...by the way, just do a google search for it).
5. Are you just looking to mock up how the building is going to look from the outside, or is it important to be able to create room layouts too? Autocad is the professionals choice for creating spacial layouts aswell as structural buildings. Perhaps you can find a free or trial version of this. When we did our house last year for planning. I used a kitchen design programme, to create the room designs so that my wife could visualise the spaces, but then had to hand draw the exterior elevations.
6. For your purposes Google Sketchup is probably the best bet. Easy to use and capable of creating surisingly complex models. I strongly advise NOT using Blender. While it is a powerful free progam, it is insanely difficult to master and even then, it is hard to accurately dimension objects in it. If you are interested in going further and creating 2D CAD drawings of your house, there are several free or cheap programs base on the IntelliCAD engine, such as ProgeCAD Smart. They are all capable of exchanging files with AutoCAD, which is used by most architects and engineers.
7. Envisioneer Express is the easiest to use residential design program available. Specifically designed to introduce clients to the simple creation of floor plans, 3D models, and interior design concepts. Envisioneer Express uses real world objects such as walls, doors, windows and stairs to make creative designs fast and easy. http://www.envisioneerexpress.com/
8. if you live in the UK,the recent edition o fmicrosoft the official windows xp magazine has a free full version of a program called floorplan 3d 9. hope this helps.