Picture this: you’ve poured time and energy into creating a meticulously detailed 2D floor plan, 3D floor plan, and photorealistic rendering in the Floorplanner program. Each detail, accessory, piece of furniture and measurement is exactly how you want it to be. Whether you’re presenting this to a client, a professor, or just made it for your own personal portfolio, you’ve created something really spectacular. Now what if you could take this piece of work, not only to the next level, but up to a level of realism that is truly of the future?

Well, you guessed it, now you can. There are two features being introduced to Floorplanner.com and they are controllable sunlight direction, and a panoramic background setting. Both of which will take your work beyond the scope of a typical floor plan, and into a submersive setting, where your audience can not only view the space, but experience it.

Below is a Photorealistic Rendering of a Floorplan I created on Floorplanner.com, called “Norwegian Wood,” - loosely based off of The Vega Cottage, in Vega, Norway.

I was inspired by this home after watching an in-depth tour of it on The World’s Most Extraordinary Homes on Netflix - and immediately logged into Floorplanner to see what I could create.

When I saw that I could take this design to the next level with realistic sunlight and a background image - I jumped at the opportunity. I found a stunning view of a Norwegian landscape, applied it to the background - and even adjusted my light direction to look like it’s coming from the sun in the background image. If that’s not customization, I don’t know what is!

Here’s a video of the sunlight-adjustment process for this floorplan:

Now, one might not always have time to sift through scenic landscapes and cityscapes on the internet, nor the time to add the image they have chosen to each and every camera view available on their floorplan. Luckily - within the coming weeks - an update will be released where you can set one single panoramic image that works for all cameras. Additionally, a set of default “sceneries” will be available to choose from.

Lastly, you’ll also be able to view your background and sunlight from the exterior 3D view of your floorplan - including adding a sky and clouds. All of this can be added and adjusted in real time, and viewed on your final renderings.

I highly encourage anyone creating floorplans on Floorplanner.com to use this feature to their advantage! It will truly set your work apart. Happy designing!