Dark Barndominium Retail

Project Overview

When the shopping center developer engaged us for Dark Barndominium Retail, they were clear about the deliverables: 2 high-resolution perspective views that could serve double duty — design review today, sales collateral tomorrow.

Dark metal-clad barndominium-style retail or event building with steep gable roof, large glass doors revealing vehicles inside, and concrete apron.

The Challenge

Getting the materials right was non-negotiable. The shopping center developer had specific finishes in mind, and anything that read as ‘generic CG’ would undermine the credibility of the entire package.

One of the trickier aspects was environmental context. A building doesn’t exist in a vacuum, and placing this retail and mixed-use design convincingly into its Kelowna, BC surroundings required careful attention to vegetation, street furniture, lighting conditions, and neighbouring structures.

Our Approach

We started where we always start: with the drawings. Every wall thickness, every material notation, every site boundary got translated into the 3D model before we touched a single texture or light.

Lighting development ran parallel to the modelling. We tested multiple Daylight setups early — before the geometry was even finished — so we could lock in the mood and atmosphere without burning production time later.

Camera positions were planned, not improvised. We mapped out front-elevation, corner-view angles based on the project’s strongest design moments, then refined framing through a series of grey-shaded test renders before committing to final production.

The Result

Delivery took 1-2 weeks from kick-off to final files. The 2-image set now powers the project’s online presence, sales centre displays, and social media content.

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