Househunters benefit from VR technology at new development
A new housing development in BS5 has invested in the latest interactive digital technology in order to help househunters get a feel for the homes during lockdown.
The Chocolate Factory in Greenbank has released the first three-bedroom homes for sale, utilising a suite of 3D collateral including digital flythroughs, CGI images and videos and a 360° tour, helping buyers to visualise the completed project while building work is still underway.
With the help of 3D specialists Do Digital Agency, an interactive touch screen experience called SoDA.suite has been created for the on-site marketing suite, which is currently open by appointment only.
The new scheme is being developed by Generator South West. Mya Castillo, Sales and Marketing Consultant for the project said: “Whilst the housing market stays open during lockdown, it remains a challenge for developers and sales agents as to how they showcase their properties whilst buyers are reluctant, or indeed unable, to visit in person but still need to move.
“The Chocolate Factory in particular is a complex site, with many different house types, public realm, commercial elements and various architectural styles to convey – by working with Do Digital to create the virtual experience, people can get a sense of scale and the relationships the buildings have to each other from above or street level. Viewers can walk the new streets of Greenbank at their own pace or sit back and take a pre-programmed tour.
“We are able to send the 360° tours and video clips to them so they can immerse themselves in the site without leaving their own homes. Those who do want to come to the marketing suite are able to make an appointment and navigate the digital showsuite themselves.
“It has been interesting to see the different reactions from people receiving information this way – some people like to look at the scale development model and others prefer the virtual tour. It’s about delivering what the purchaser needs to be comfortable to make their purchase off plan. The contractors have also found it a really useful tool to visualize the build. We took the decision to commission this prior to the start of 2020 but being in the situation we now find ourselves in we are certainly glad we did.”
When complete The Chocolate Factory will boast three and four-bedroom homes with parking and gardens and one and two-bedroom apartments. There will also be a public open square, community hub and access to the popular Bristol to Bath Railway Path.
Hywel Glynn-Jones, Account Director at Do Digital, said: “SoDA.suite and the 3D content it provides is perfect for online marketing and making the project accessible from anywhere in the world.
“We were able to create any angle and we captured countless seconds of imagery allowing potential buyers to enjoy the full development and feel completely confident in how it will look on completion.
“This combined with high-end CGI visuals has ensured The Chocolate Factory is showcasing material like no other development in Bristol.”
Jason Schofield, Develoment Director for Generator South West, added: “The Chocolate Factory is an exciting scheme which will provide a vibrant living, working and leisure space for people in the sought-after BS5 community.
“Formerly the Elizabeth Shaw Chocolate Factory we have worked hard to retain key aspects of the site’s industrial past and combine it with a contemporary new look so we’re really keen to show it off to as many people as possible, even in these trying times.”
To register your interest or find out more about the development contact the team on 0117 374 6600 or email enquiries@chocolatefactorybristol.com