Carport 3D configurator
With its wide-ranging product portfolio in the areas of patio covers, carports, and more, Schweng from Butzbach is one of the leading companies in the distribution, installation, and manufacturing of coverings. To enable interactive online planning, the redPlant Realtime Studios developed the Schweng Patio Roof 3D Configurator. In the next development phase, the 3D configurator was expanded to include carports. Here too, the focus is on allowing the end customer to easily plan their carport independently from home at any time.
From start to finish ...
The Carport 3D Configurator, alongside the Patio Roof 3D Configurator, is another planning tool that supports Schweng in its vision of always offering its customers an excellent product selection and the best convenience. For Schweng, this also means providing continuous guidance and comprehensive advice from the first to the last step. This advisory service includes the option for customers to plan independently outside of business hours. This is now made possible by the Schweng 3D configurators we have developed.
...always there
Ease of use and high availability are, of course, the main focus when using a configurator. Thanks to the responsive design of the 3D configurator, planning your patio cover is possible from anywhere: whether on a tablet, smartphone, or desktop – the 3D configurator, along with the user interface and 3D scene, adapts to all current screen sizes and device types. And by saving your individual configuration, you now truly have your Schweng cover with you wherever you go.
The big blueprint
Schweng aims to offer its customers 3D configurators wherever manual assembly of the product by the customer is challenging. Initially, a 3D configurator was implemented for patio covers. Since the construction and the profiles used in patio covers and carports are similar, a 3D configurator for carports was also planned from the start. A comprehensive blueprint with all configuration options was created based on the patio cover, and various products were derived from it. This also led to the development of a 3D configurator for flat and pitched roof carports.
Build my carport
You start planning your carport by entering the various dimensions of your structure. This involves not only the depth and width but also specifications like the entry and exit height, as well as the number and position of the posts. Depending on the type of carport, it is also possible to plan connected structures or specify the slope of the roof individually. Choosing the color of the structure and the installation of the drainage gutter are also part of the initial steps.
From post to post
By specifying the width and depth of the roof, the posts are automatically distributed, determining the size of the sections between them. If this automatic distribution isn't ideal for your needs, you can adjust the number and arrangement of the posts afterward. For example, it's possible to recess the posts to create an overhang. You can adjust the position of the posts either through the user interface or directly on the 3D model.
Everything under one roof
To ensure your car is always protected from the elements, the roof covering is an essential part of the carport. Depending on the type of carport, you can choose from classic patio roof coverings or opt for trapezoidal roofs, with or without green roofing.
Glass - 8mm
The high-quality all-rounder made of clear or frosted glass
Glass - 10mm
A greater thickness allows for higher spans and stability.
Polycarbonate
Multiwall sheets offer a stable and cost-effective alternative to glass.
Heatstop
The panel with special heat-reflective properties.
Stable trapeze
Roof coverings made of polycarbonate and glass, which you may already be familiar with from the patio roof segment, are used exclusively for carports with pitched roofs. In contrast, the lightweight and durable trapezoidal roofs are utilized in both construction types, that is, for both pitched and flat roofs. Trapezoidal sheets are characterized by the alternating arrangement of the so-called ribs (the raised areas) and the flutes (the depressions in the sheets). This design provides them with very high load-bearing capacity and stability.
Cooling green
The stable construction of trapezoidal roofs also allows for additional green roofing. This offers many advantages. It retains moisture and can further cool the already heat-resistant structure of the trapezoidal roofs. Even in winter, green roofing, which is now required in many regions of Germany, provides natural protection against extreme temperatures. Last but not least, it filters pollutants and fine dust from the air.
Field for field
To further customize your carport, you can equip each section with the desired side wall. You can select the sections via the user interface or directly on the 3D model. Thanks to the underlying rule set, only currently valid configuration options for each section will be displayed. For a more convenient and faster experience, you can also select multiple sections at once to equip them with the same side wall.
Correctly dimensioned
You can easily display all measurements of your carport directly on the 3D model. The dimensions of the currently selected section are automatically shown, ensuring you always have the size in view while editing and equipping the section. This way, you have all the important measurements available down to the centimeter at any time, so you won’t encounter any unpleasant surprises.
Your own walls
If you want to close off parts of your carport, various side walls and even a storage room are available. The selection includes the classics from the patio roof segment, with the gable triangle being used only for the pitched roof construction.
Panels
Limited view from the outside combined with refreshing air circulation.
Translucent
Unobstructed view and a sense of spaciousness even in enclosed structures.
Closed
Absolutely opaque, secure, and with the option to install and customize doors.
Gable triangle
To close gaps between the pitched roof and side wall.
Roller shutters
There’s another practical side wall specifically for carports: the roller door, which provides comfortable access by automatically opening and closing the entrance side of the carport. During installation, you can choose between wall mounting, which allows for the construction of taller doors, or recessed mounting, where the roller box is protected inside the carport. Just like all side walls, the roller door can also be adjusted to the centimeter. Thanks to the integrated animation, you can view the operation of the roller door directly in your configuration.
Space for device
Where to put all those garden tools, bicycles, or beverage crates? Another highlight of the carport is the integration of a storage room. You can plan this space from a small 1 m² storage area within your carport to a larger room that meets all your needs. The side walls of the carport consist of the well-known solid side walls, offering all the configuration options that come with them. This way, you can provide access to the storage room from the carport by installing a door, or even create direct access to the garden with an additional door.
An overview to download
Just like the patio roof 3D configurator, the carport 3D configurator also offers you the option of downloading images of your current configuration directly. You will receive a short photo gallery showing your product from six different perspectives. The images are also provided with dimensions, so they contain all the important information.
Inquiry & product list
If you have any questions about your configuration, you can simply send Schweng an inquiry. All components of your current configuration will be clearly listed. If you notice something you don't need, you can easily remove it directly from the list. The changes will be immediately reflected in the configuration and the interactive 3D representation of your carport, ensuring that all generated data, such as images and the saved configuration, remain consistent.
Or buy directly
If you are satisfied with the results of your custom configuration, you can either save it to edit it later or purchase it directly through Schweng's shop. When you save your configuration, you will receive an ID via email, allowing you to access your custom covering at any time. When transferring to the shop, all important information, including a list of all components that make up your configuration, will be automatically transmitted.
It doesn't work without prices
Thanks to the direct connection to Schweng's back office — a system for price management — the 3D configurator always has the most up-to-date prices. The back office only receives information about the components of the current configuration from the 3D configurator, calculates the corresponding prices including installation surcharges and discounts, and sends this information back along with the total price. This ensures that there are no discrepancies between the different systems.
In front of your house
Do you want to see your custom-configured carport in front of your house and walk around it in 360 degrees? All you need is a smartphone or tablet with a functioning camera and the native AR functionalities of iOS and Android. The AR viewer is currently only available to Schweng employees in the internal mode of the configurator.
Not only in the configurator
You shouldn't have a 3D experience only in the configurator. You have the option to use the 3D model of your carport in other programs via a glTF export. In the case of Schweng, we convert the glTF file into a SketchUp file. Currently, this can only be downloaded in the internal mode of the 3D configurator.
All this and much more...
In its launched version, the 3D configurator already includes many features and variations. However, we are far from done — planned future steps will see us further expand and improve the 3D configurator. Occasionally check our website or the 3D configurator to be the first to find out what else we have in store!
Noise Layering
This technique was specifically used in the reproduction of green roofing. Essentially, the repeating pattern of the greenery is enhanced by something called noise. This is essentially a mask that makes the pattern of the base texture appear more irregular. In this way, the tiling—the repetition of the texture—is obscured and somewhat broken up, resulting in a more visually realistic overall effect.
Features
WebGL
The 3D Configurator has been implemented in WebGL and is available in common browsers.
Responsive Design
The 3D Configurator is available on smartphones, tablets, and desktops.
Individual ID
Each configuration is assigned an ID and can be retrieved at any time.
Validation
If it is configurable, it is producible. The configurator only allows valid configurations.
Millions of possibilities
The entire Schweng product range, along with the configuration logic, has been integrated into the 3D Configurator.
Real-time prices
Prices and all other dynamic parameters are calculated in real-time.
Performance
To save draw calls, components are instantiated even during animations
Dimensions
All relevant dimensions can be easily shown or hidden. The measurements of the currently selected field are always displayed.
Download image files
Download function for image files including dimensions.
Line & text rendering
The labels and dimensions are generated and displayed directly in the 3D scene using optimized line and text rendering.
Internal mode
The internal mode includes an AR viewer as well as the option to download the configuration as a SketchUp file.
WooCommerce
The interface to the shop system WooCommerce allows for the direct purchase of the roofing system and ensures accurate price calculation.
Tools
State Engine
Das Herzstück eines jeden 3D Konfigurators ist unsere State Engine. Sie garantiert zu jeder Zeit, dass ein valider Zustand des Produktes ausgeliefert wird.
Construction Engine
Unser Construction Engine setzt die 3D Rekonstruktion des Produktes anhand und innerhalb der Vorgaben der State Engine um und platziert alle Komponenten.
Performance Monitor
Unser Performance Monitoring überwacht die Grafikauslastung und passt die Qualität des 3D Konfigurators dynamisch an die aktuelle Leistung des Gerätes an.
Cloud Service
Unser CloudService generiert on Demand verschiedene Formate unserer Konfigurationen und stellt diese dem User beispielsweise als AR Modell zur Verfügung.