Cabinet Manufacturer Offers "Dynamic Component" 3-D Models for Google(R) SketchUp(TM) and other CAD Programs. MIDDLEFIELD, OHIO – August 10, 2009 – To help designers and architects simplify the design process, KraftMaid(R) is now offering 3-D cabinet models as Google(R) SketchUp(TM) Dynamic Components in the Google(R) 3D Warehouse. As Dynamic Components, these models make it easier than ever for designers to create highly functional, personalized spaces for their clients. "The advanced function built within each of our 3-D models is an industry first for kitchen cabinets," said Mark Johnson, director of sales & marketing education at KraftMaid. "Since the cabinet collections are modeled as Dynamic Components, designers can show their clients a virtual kitchen, bath, home office or laundry room design with animated cabinet doors and drawers. They can even preview design options like base cabinet rollout drawers for aging-in-place or Universal Design applications. Designers can size and resize the cabinets to any dimensions we make, access specification information embedded within each model and hotlink back to the KraftMaid website for more information. Our new smart models are a perfect "BIM Light" solution since they can be downloaded for free from Google(R) 3D Warehouse directly into SketchUp(TM) and other residential CAD programs. It's easier for clients to experience designs in 3-D and see what options work best for them." Dynamic Components are SketchUp components to which attributes have been assigned. Attributes can be simple pieces of additional information, such as part numbers and dimensions. Additionally, attributes can contain spatial relationships, such as how two parts are positioned in relation to each other, and behaviors, such as animation and smart scaling. "Storage opportunities can often be missed when designing a kitchen because clients can't visualize their cabinetry's true functionality," added Johnson. "Dynamic Components allow designers and clients to virtually open doors, pull out drawers and get an understanding of which types of interior storage options will best fit their needs." Google SketchUp was developed to provide quick 3-D forms for conceptual stages of design, including a repository of 3-D objects that accelerate the design process, called the Google 3D Warehouse. SketchUp models can be converted into all major CAD products without having to draw designs twice. KraftMaid Dynamic Components 3-D models are produced by digital media firm Igloo Studios. To download these models from the Google 3D Warehouse, visit http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse and search "Collections" using the search words, "KraftMaid Cabinetry by MASCO." About KraftMaid(R) Cabinetry For more that 40 years, KraftMaid Cabinetry has been one of the nation's largest manufacturers of semi-custom cabinetry. Today, KraftMaid continues to lead the industry in innovation and design with an extensive product selection featuring more than 100 trend-in door styles and more than 45 furniture-quality finish options. In 1990, KraftMaid was purchased by Masco Corporation of Taylor, Michigan, one of the world's largest manufacturers of brand-name consumer products for the home and family. KraftMaid(R) is the anchor brand of the Masco Retail Cabinet Group. All KraftMaid Cabinetry carries a limited lifetime warranty and is Environmental Stewardship Program-certified by the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association. KraftMaid is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council and has earned the ISO 14001:2004 Certification for its sustainable manufacturing processes. KraftMaid cabinetry is available through an extensive distributor and dealer network. For more information, visit www.kraftmaid.com or call 440-632-5333 About Igloo Studios Igloo Studios is a digital media firm that creates immersive 3-D and video media solutions for architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry companies. The firm creates interactive 3-D models for Google Earth and the Google 3D Warehouse under its "Blue Marble Project" branded studio (http://www.bluemarbleproject.com/). These powerful new media experiences are leveraged by building product manufacturers, real estate developers and designers to reach clients and consumers in a visually meaningful way. Igloo's second studio known as "School" (http://go-2-school.com) is devoted to training users of Google SketchUp through online video podcasts, DVDs, live instruction and a Web community for SketchUp and Google Earth users.
