How to Create 3D Site Models for Rhino in Minutes

Why 3D Site Models Matter

Every architecture project needs context. A 3D site model shows your design in relation to existing buildings, roads, terrain, and landscape features. But creating accurate 3D context models traditionally takes hours of manual work.

The ArchiKEK 3D Export

ArchiKEK now exports 3D models directly to OBJ format—the industry standard for Rhino, SketchUp, and most 3D software. Your export includes:

• Buildings: Extruded to real heights from OpenStreetMap data
• Roads: As 3D surfaces with proper widths
• Water: Rivers, lakes, and coastlines
• Terrain: Ground plane for your site
• Green areas: Parks and vegetation zones

Step-by-Step: ArchiKEK to Rhino

1. Generate Your 3D Model

• Go to archikek.com/create
• Search for your location
• Select 3D export mode
• Choose your theme (Default, Blueprint, Neon, etc.)
• Pick OBJ format
• Enable "Include Materials" for colors
• Click Generate

2. Download the ZIP

Your download includes:

• `archikek_model.obj` - The 3D geometry
• `archikek.mtl` - Material definitions
• `import_to_rhino.py` - Automation script
• `README.txt` - Instructions

3. Import to Rhino

Option A: Manual Import

• Open Rhino
• File → Import → Select the .obj file
• Materials load automatically with the MTL file

Option B: Use the Script

• Open Rhino
• Run the import_to_rhino.py script
• Everything imports with correct layers and colors

10 Material Themes

Choose the right mood for your project:

Tips for Rhino Users

Scale Correctly

Models export in meters. Use `Scale` command if you need different units.

Organize Layers

The OBJ imports as groups:

• Buildings_Residential
• Buildings_Commercial
• Roads_Primary
• Roads_Residential
• Water
• Green_Park
• Terrain

Add Your Design

Place your building model at coordinates (0,0) for center of the exported area.

Render with Materials

The MTL file includes basic colors. For better renders, assign Rhino materials to each layer.

File Sizes

Typical exports:

• 500m area: ~2-5 MB
• 1000m area: ~5-15 MB
• 2000m area: ~15-40 MB

Dense urban areas = larger files (more buildings).

Ready to Try?

Generate your first 3D site model in under a minute.

Create 3D Model →