3D Animation (Using A.I. Tools)
Interactive App (Desktop)
A Closer Look at Solar Canopies
SIG Building Solutions needed a compelling way to showcase their Solar Canopy Structures range at trade shows and to sales prospects.
The brief was to build an interactive, real-time desktop experience in a rendered environment, letting visitors explore four key carport designs, paired with a series of cinematic construction 3D animations showing how each structure goes together.
A.I. Animation Workflow
To bring the Solar Carport system to life, I built a generative AI pipeline spanning three tools: Unreal Engine for a photorealistic base render, Nano Banana Pro for weather reference conditioning, and Kling AI for motion-controlled atmospheric animation — using the render and reference simultaneously as dual inputs. The result: three weather states — rain, snow, and sun — animated with cinematic realism at a fraction of traditional rendering time.
Node-based 3D Modelling
The Solar Canopy geometry was designed entirely in Rhino + Grasshopper using a node-based parametric workflow. Each structural component - panel count, tilt angle, column spacing, and canopy depth - was driven by adjustable parameters, meaning the entire system could be redesigned in seconds by changing a single value. This approach mirrors the logic of modern AI node pipelines: inputs feed into a visual graph, outputs update in real time.
3D Assets
After creating the base 3D models in Rhino 3D, all four solar canopy structures — Gullwing, Double Monopitch, Single Monopitch Incline, and Single Monopitch Decline — were further detailed in 3Ds Max using SIG's technical specifications. Each model was built with structural accuracy, capturing the steel framework, mounting rails, and solar panel arrays, while keeping geometry optimised for real-time performance in the interactive app.
3Ds Max Assets
3D Animation Design
Each canopy design received its own construction animation, showing the structure being assembled component by component. Wireframe views were used during the design phase to verify geometry, camera angles, and timing before committing to full lighting and rendering. The goal was a natural, satisfying pace — clear enough to communicate the build process, dynamic enough to hold attention on a busy exhibition floor.
3Ds Max Animations
Unreal Engine Editor (Interactive App)
The app was built entirely in UE5 using Blueprints for navigation logic. The interface was kept deliberately simple — Previous/Next controls to cycle through the four designs — so that sales staff and exhibition visitors could use it without any training. The finished app ran on a dedicated laptop and was displayed on large screens at SIG's exhibition stands.
Let's Collaborate
I’m always excited to work on new and challenging projects. Whether you're looking to build a brand from the ground up, redesign your website, or create engaging digital experiences, I'm here to help bring your vision to life.
