Entrepreneurial tradesman Rob Horrocks is pioneering the use of 3D and 360-degree scanning tech in New Zealand’s residential construction industry. Like Google Street View for inside your pre-lined walls, 3D Three60 uses state-of-the-art Matterport camera equipment with infrared and lidar scanners to create high-definition virtual tours that archive, measure, and showcase building projects.
Pre-line 3D scanning is popular overseas but seldom used locally–until now. Beyond one-off cases of architects and commercial projects, pre-line 3D scanning has been an underutilised process nationwide. 3D Three60 fills that gap with independent, crystal-clear records that document exactly what builders and their subcontractors have done, which is invaluable in the short term and long run.
As a certified plumber, drainlayer, and gasfitter, Rob’s expertise positioned him well to commercialise the technology for residential projects. He carefully places scan points across a build to maximum effect. “There’s lots of blocking, pipe work, wiring and ducting–I get around and target those crucial areas,” he says. “It’s about knowing what you’re looking at and capturing it from the angles you’d need to assess an area properly.”
Rob arrives on-site before insulation and wall linings are installed to capture the entire site. The data is processed into an interactive virtual tour that allows anyone to walk through the site, measure distances, and inspect details in high definition. The process doesn’t only capture photos, but also captures dimensional data. “360-degree cameras and LiDAR scanning are the ultimate combination for construction documentation,” Rob says. “You can measure where a pipe is going up a wall or where timber is positioned. Hitting pipework or wires is an expensive mistake, not to mention the inefficiency of having to redo work.
“Otherwise, you’re relying on plain 2D photos, which miss so much.” The technology saves time for architects and builders by allowing them to visit sites remotely and carry out thorough QA from the peace and quiet of their office. Rob’s customers are finding that the quality and standard of work have improved since having their sites pre-line scanned, not that 3D Three60 wants to be ‘Big
Brother’, but naturally, tradespeople are lifting their standards, knowing that all their work is captured in high-definition.
This level of record-keeping future-proofs the industry. Being able to see exactly how a building is constructed gives future architects and tradespeople the best possible insight into the scope of work needed to make the alterations. That way, quoting and scheduling will be significantly more accurate. Everyone is on the same page, and the customer is better informed. Rob says.
Rob envisions a bright future where pre-line 3D scans are an integral part of a building’s records. After just two years of operation, 3D Three60 is a Master Builders Associated Member and has attracted industry attention, especially as self-certification regulations evolve, with Master Plumbers and industry experts, among others, recently reaching out. Rob’s industry knowledge has opened industry eyes to the technology’s potential, including how it could support compliance and future auditing.
3D Three60 offers a range of 3D modelling and 3D scanning services. As-built 3D scanning is another key service and area in which the 3D Three60 is thriving. 3D Three60 is based in Auckland, but with growing demand, Rob is more than happy to travel and expand into different regions across New Zealand, as he has recently done so to Christchurch and Northland. To encourage adoption, every new customer in 2025 will receive a complimentary Meta Quest 3S VR headset, allowing them to experience their scanned project in immersive virtual reality. Visit 3dthree60.co.nz for more information.
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