Z Corporation 3D Printed Model of Historic Homestead to Be Featured on New Season of 'This Old House'

This Old House, the beloved public TV series for home renovation enthusiasts, will use a highly detailed 3D printed architectural model from Z Corporation to communicate planned improvements to a historic Bedford, Mass., homestead once owned by a prominent Revolutionary War figure, Nathaniel Page. The model will be featured in the Oct. 6 and Oct. 13 episodes, and make other appearances during the 16-episode season (check local listings or www.thisoldhouse.com/tvschedule for dates and times in your area).

The 14-piece multicolor physical 3D model – 28 inches x 21 inches x 9 inches – can be assembled in two ways, depicting the Nathaniel Page Homestead before and after two additions and a thorough renovation. The model includes removable rooftops and second floor, and a fully detailed interior.

"The 3D model powerfully communicates the architect's vision for the finished home before we pry off the first clapboard," said Dan Quaile, the architect for the This Old House Bedford Project. "The designers, contractors, viewers and homeowners get a much clearer image of the project than they could through 2D plans and conversation alone."

This Old House plans to use more of Z Corporation's models down the road, most immediately for their next project in Barrington, R.I.

The story of 3D printed models communicating design intent for building professionals, their clients, and other stakeholders is a familiar one as architects have begun discovering the ability to quickly create physical 3D models that are more highly detailed, accurate and affordable than handcrafted models. ZPrinted models can be printed in traditional architectural white or in full color.

Z Corporation 3D printers create physical objects from 3D design files much as document printers create business letters from word-processing files. ZPrinters are the only 3D printers capable of simultaneously printing in multiple colors.

The Nathaniel Page Homestead belongs to Rebecca and Joe Titlow. Joe is Z Corporation's vice president of product management and in one of the episodes explains to host Kevin O'Connor how 3D printing works. "It was a lot of fun to bring my work home with me this time," he said. "I was thrilled that the crew was able to use the model."

Slideshow: http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/photos/0,,20496787,00.html

Project details: http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/tv/house-project/overview/0,,20496798,00.html