Drafting fully CURVED, "rainbow" Roof of a 100 year old barndominium project.

[Kulicke]

I am looking for an affordable and intuitive program like Home Designer Pro to draft and get 3d renderings of an ambitious barn conversion project.  If this is too challenging to find or learn I may compromise by drafting a gambrel roof. The interior framing of the top floor will resemble a gambrel roof in most likelihood.  I have ruled out sketchup as too complicated and also like Cedreo. Cedreo can only draw gambrel roofs.

A decade ago I was very conversant with Broderbund Home Architect 3d, which I was surprised to learn from C.A. support, that it licensed H.D. software.

Any suggestions to get me to stop shopping software and get started would be appreciated.  I have also learned from this forum that the printing limitations for HD Pro should not be a disqualifying factor.

[y-g-m-n]

Gotta ask - How are we making these curved beams? Bending Steel or ??

[scottharris]

A Gambrel roof can easily be created with Home Designer.  If you want to customize the framing rafters or trusses with any curve to it, you will find that Chief Architect Premier will be the best software to handle the complexities.  You can give our sales staff a call for further information.

[Kulicke]

My 100 Year old, all wood building is currently standing. I want to draw a possible residential conversion in it. The curved rafters are 4 piece curve sawn and laminated 1x8 yellow pine,   CA support just told me that HD Pro can simulate a curved or barrel roof with many facets, down to perhaps 6" each to simulate a curved roof. There is an article outlining the many steps to do this, CA Premiere can draw a true curved roof like I have.

Here is the article:    

Creating a Barrel Roof in Home Designer Pro

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Reference Number: KB-01187