Facade configurator
Manufacturers and distributors of façade materials face the same problem: customers spend a long time choosing, ask numerous questions, and still end up deciding. A façade configurator changes this process – customers can independently assemble the desired solution online and then approach a manager with a specific request.
AVADA MEDIA develops facade configurators in three formats – 2D, 3D, and combined – depending on business objectives and product specifics.
Who needs a facade configurator?
- Manufacturers and distributors of façade materials – siding, plaster, clinker tiles, fiber cement panels – are receiving a tool that replaces the salesperson during the initial selection process. Customers can independently select the material and color and come to the store with a ready-made solution, rather than a vague request.
- Construction companies and architectural firms can use the configurator as a client approval tool. Instead of printed samples and time-consuming email revisions, they can use an interactive façade model that can be modified directly during the meeting.
- Online stores selling building and finishing materials are increasing conversion rates: a user who has assembled the facade of their home themselves leaves with a specific list of items, rather than a general interest in the topic.
Configurator formats
The facade configurator can be implemented in three formats – the choice depends on the complexity of the product line, business objectives, and project budget.
The 2D configurator works with a flat façade diagram. Users can see the frontal view of the house and apply materials and colors to specific areas: the baseboard, main wall, decorative elements, and slopes. This fast and easy-to-use format is ideal for a large catalog with a large number of items.
The 3D configurator is based on a three-dimensional model of the building. The house can be viewed from any angle, with lighting changes and the material's appearance at different times of day – in the sun and in the shade. This format is especially effective for premium finishing materials, where texture and light play are crucial for decision-making.
The combined 2D/3D configurator combines the convenience of a 2D editor with the visual clarity of a 3D model. Users can configure parameters through a 2D interface, while the final product is simultaneously displayed in a 3D preview. This is the most comprehensive format for companies seeking to both cover a wide catalog and provide clients with the most realistic impression of the final product.
What elements does the facade configurator consist of?
The structure of the configurator depends on the customer's product, but most projects include the following configuration blocks.
Facade zones. The façade can be divided into customizable zones: plinth, main wall, pediment, window and door slopes, decorative bands, and cornices.
Each zone is configured independently, allowing the user to combine different materials and colours within a single façade.
Material type. The user can choose from available finishes:
- vinyl and metal siding
- fiber cement panels
- clinker and ceramic tiles
- decorative plaster
- natural and artificial stone
- ventilated facade systems
Each material is displayed with realistic texture and surface finish.
Color and texture. The palette is based on the customer's actual product range. NCS or RAL standards can be used for plaster and paint, while catalog numbers can be used for tiles and panels. The user can apply the color to the selected area with a single click, and the result is displayed instantly.
House type and architecture. The configurator can be loaded with standard house models – single-story, two-story, and with an attic – or you can upload a photo of your own home. In the latter case, the client can see the final result in person.
Windows, doors, and trim. Optional block: the user can customize the color and type of window frames, trim, gutters, decorative elements – everything that affects the final appearance of the façade.
Functional capabilities
Apply materials and colors in real time. Any change can be displayed instantly – the user sees the result without reloading the page or waiting for rendering.
Compare options. The user can save multiple configurations and compare them side by side – without having to memorize or take a screenshot.
Automatic cost calculation. Each time parameters are changed, the system can recalculate the estimated cost of materials based on the façade area and selected items.
Export results. The user can obtain a PDF specification with a visualization and a list of selected materials – a ready-to-use document for submission to a contractor or for archiving.
Mobile-friendly. The configurator works seamlessly on smartphones and tablets.
Additional features
CRM integration allows you to share information about the selected configuration with the sales department. Managers can see what materials and how much the client has selected before the first call.
Synchronization with the catalog and price list allows you to keep prices and product range up-to-date: when the catalog is updated, the configurator can automatically pull in new items.
Connecting an AI assistant allows for personalized recommendations on material selection based on the home's type, climate zone, and style. Additionally, the AI can generate photorealistic renderings of the façade within the context of the site – the client will see not an abstract model, but the final image of their home.
AR mode. The configurator can support façade viewing in augmented reality: the user points their smartphone camera at their home and sees the selected finishes directly on it in real time. This is the closest visualization format to reality – no renderings or the need to manually upload a photo.
BIM integration. The configurator can export data on selected materials and façade parameters into formats compatible with BIM systems such as Revit, ArchiCAD, and others. This is especially important for architectural firms and developers who maintain design documentation in a digital building model.
Multilingualism and localization. The configurator can support multiple interface languages and regional material catalogs. This allows companies operating in multiple markets to deploy a single tool with customization for each country, without having to develop a separate solution for each region.
Upload a photo of your home. Customers can upload a photo of their property, and the configurator will overlay the selected finishes directly onto it.
Cost and development time
The final cost depends on the configurator format, the number of zones and materials, the volume of prepared models, and the required integrations.
| Configurator type | Development period | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 2D configurator, basic | 3-5 weeks | from $5,500 |
| 2D configurator, extended | 5-8 weeks | from $7,000 |
| 3D configurator, basic | 2-3 months | from $9,000 |
| 3D configurator, extended | 3-4 months | from $12,000 |
| Combined 2D/3D configurator | 4-6 months | from $15,000 |
| Custom development for the customer`s catalog | by agreement | upon request |
Prices and deadlines are approximate – the final project parameters are determined after analyzing the customer’s technical specifications and product line.
Technical implementation
The facade configurator is being developed as a web application and can be run in a browser without installing additional software. For 3D formats, the Three.js library is the basis for visualization, providing rendering of volumetric models, lighting processing, and realistic display of textures in real time.
For 3D configurators, models are prepared in GLTF/GLB or Spine formats, depending on the type of configurator and animation requirements.
For 2D formats, the Canvas API or SVG rendering is used.
Development stages
- Analytics and design. The configurator structure is defined: façade zones, material types, combination logic, and acceptable combinations. UX/UI designers develop the interface and interaction scenarios tailored to mobile devices.
- Model preparation is the most labor-intensive stage. 3D house models and material textures can be developed by our team from scratch, provided by the client, or purchased from stock sites and further refined.
Texture maps are created for each material: a color map, a roughness map, and a normal map. These are the ones responsible for making plaster look like plaster, and clinker look like clinker, with the correct texture and play of light.
For the 2D configurator, a set of vector images is prepared for each combination of zones, materials and colors.
The larger the catalog, the greater the volume of graphics that must be prepared and linked to the interface logic. - Frontend and backend development. These are carried out in parallel. Frontend developers integrate models into the interface, configure interactivity, and enable the cost calculator. Backend developers build server logic: storing configurations, processing requests, and connecting to the catalog and external systems.
- Administrative panel development. The client receives a tool for self-management of the catalog: they can add materials, update prices, and customize available combinations – without contacting the developers.
- Testing and optimization. The configurator is tested on various devices and browsers, and texture loading and rendering speeds are optimized.
- Integration. If necessary, we can connect the customer's CRM, price list, or other systems.
Where can the facade configurator be used?
On the websites of facade material manufacturers and distributors, a configurator can increase time on page, reduce the number of irrelevant requests, and help customers independently select a specific item in the catalog.
In online stores selling construction and finishing materials, it can serve as an upselling tool: a customer who has selected a finish for the entire façade will purchase a complete set rather than just one item.
In construction and architectural firms, a configurator can speed up approvals with the client – instead of several sketch iterations, a single meeting with an interactive model is sufficient.
At construction exhibitions and showrooms, it can attract attention and allow visitors to interact with the product directly on site.
Tell us about your product
Describe your task – we will suggest a suitable configurator format, estimate the scope of work, and prepare a commercial proposal.
FAQ
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Can the configurator be used for multiple house types at the same time?
Yes. You can add several standard models to the configurator – single-story, two-story, and with an attic – and allow the user to switch between them. You can also upload photos of your own property.
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What do I need to provide to start development?
A catalog of materials with item descriptions, color options, and part numbers is sufficient. If you have ready-made textures or 3D models, they will speed up the graphics preparation process. If you don't have any materials, we'll sort them out during the analysis stage.
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Is it possible to add new content after launch?
Yes. The configurator is built on a modular architecture, and the administrative panel allows customers to independently expand the catalog without contacting the developers.
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Will the configurator work correctly on smartphones?
Yes, mobile adaptation is part of the core development. The interface and control logic are optimized for touchscreens.
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Do you provide support after launch?
The configurator is being developed as a stable, ready-to-use solution and requires no ongoing maintenance once launched. Support as a separate service is available should the catalog need to be significantly expanded in the future, new home types added, or additional integrations enabled.
