3D Architectural Animation Services for Solimar Towers Renovation
When the Miami-based design house Raymond Nicolas reached out to us in 2022. Their request came with a bold challenge — to produce a 3D architectural animation and a series of realistic renders for the Solimar Towers renovation, two residential buildings constructed in the 1990s.
The task was to create a high-end architectural 3D walkthrough animation and still imagery that clearly communicated the design intent of the future spaces. The presentation was meant for the client’s internal board, not for public marketing — so every frame had to speak for itself.
Curious how 3D rendering like this is made — and why it works so well for home builders? Read on.
Why They Chose ArchiCGI
The studio selected ArchiCGI for our proven ability to deliver large-scale 3D animation projects quickly and with precision. The Solimar Towers presentation had an extremely tight timeframe — only 2–3 weeks — while such projects typically require at least double that.
The client needed a CGI partner capable of handling the entire process — modeling, lighting, animation, and compositing — and trusted us for three main reasons:
- Speed and coordination: we’re known for managing high-volume architectural projects under time pressure;
- A wide range of CGI services: besides flyover animation, the studio wanted exterior and interior renders to make a well-rounded presentation for the board.
- Experience with design studios: our team understands the specific needs of designers who refine concepts mid-production and knows our way around art direction;
- Full-cycle production: we handle every stage internally, ensuring visual and stylistic consistency;
- Photorealistic animation quality: our portfolio highlights a variety of architectural animation styles, including the flyover type the client requested. Each project demonstrates our focus on realism, attention to detail, and smooth visual flow.
Project Overview
The project involved the renovation of all shared spaces — lobbies, lounges, and landscape areas — across two towers. The main goal was to produce a realistic 3D architectural animation that conveyed the atmosphere of the renovated environment while reflecting the studio’s signature aesthetic.
Technical assignment:
- approved design references and floor plans;
- a SketchUp model with basic geometry (no textures, unfinished details);
- general notes for exteriors, with incomplete garden layouts;
- a Google Maps location of the real estate.
The requested delivery time was 2–3 weeks, but with feedback and revision rounds included, a realistic estimate was 4–6 weeks.
Challenges
- Compressed deadlines: the internal board meeting was scheduled, so production had to move at full speed.
- Incomplete design materials: some areas existed only as floor plans or conceptual sketches.
- Evolving design: the client updated design decisions based on our renders — the process became truly collaborative.
- Attention to detail: even minor decorative adjustments mattered, especially in the final versions.
Process and Workflow
To keep everything on track, a dedicated team leads coordinated modeling, lighting, and compositing across multiple zones.
We built a detailed timeline for the team and followed it rigorously.
- First previews were delivered according to plan.
- Updated iterations were sent every 1–2 days after receiving feedback.
- Communication with the client was active and open — they responded quickly and appreciated our technical advice regarding drone flight paths, camera movement, and lighting direction.
One area had no finalized design — only a schematic plan. Rather than pause production, we recreated it using the same animation architecture 3D style to keep the presentation consistent.
Solutions Implemented
- Assigned senior artists to critical interior and exterior zones. They worked overtime to finish everything within strict deadlines.
- Optimized rendering and compositing workflows for speed without quality loss.
- Recreated missing design areas using the client’s style references to ensure full visual integrity.
- Maintained continuous delivery through a shared progress calendar and daily internal syncs.
Results
Despite compressed timelines and frequent design updates, the project was completed right on time for the board presentation.
The 3D architectural animation and renders vividly conveyed how Solimar Towers would look and feel after renovation.
The board approved the design, and the client was fully satisfied — both with the visuals and the collaboration process.
“We are really satisfied working with you, guys.”
Visual Deliverables
- Interior visualization (lobby, clubroom, business area)
- Exterior rendering and aerial perspectives
- Architectural 3D walkthrough animation (flyover style with realistic camera tracking)
Schedule a free demo of 3D solutions for your business
This project was not about routine production — it was about teamwork, precision, and speed.
Our 3D architectural animation studio transformed a conceptual renovation into a photoreal cinematic experience, ensuring that every frame reflected the client’s creative vision.
Need to win over your real estate investors? Use our top-tier CGI services — and get results that go beyond expectations!
Valerie Adams
Blog Writer
Valerie is an editor and content writer. She used to work on news and entertainment TV channels and in a fashion & design magazine. In her spare time, she enjoys visiting foreign countries, art events, film and street dancing festivals.
