How to Design an Igloo House Using 3D CAD Software

Learn How to Design an Igloo House Using 3D CAD Software with the help of this article

How to Design an Igloo House Using 3D CAD Software

3D modeling allows us to explore creative architectural designs that blend tradition with technology, and designing an igloo house is a perfect example of this. Traditionally made from blocks of snow, igloos are iconic structures known for their dome shape and clever insulation properties. Using SelfCAD, an accessible and powerful 3D design tool, we can recreate this unique structure digitally—combining the charm of traditional design with modern modeling techniques.

In this article, we will walk through the step-by-step process of designing an igloo house using SelfCAD. From building the rounded dome shape to adding entrances and texture details, this guide will show how basic tools like extrusion, shape modification, and symmetry can be used to create a realistic model. Whether you're new to 3D design or exploring architectural modeling for a school project, this tutorial offers a simple yet engaging way to bring an igloo to life on screen

To access the interactive tutorial to this article, check out; https://www.selfcad.com/tutorials/6r5w1f4l35s2y2v4a1x106k3d6v2lw3c6n45

Once you’ve launched the editor;

From the 3D Shapes category on the Toolbar choose sphere; Set Radius to 150, Horizontal segments to 10, Vertical segments to 10

Tick the checkmark (upper left corner) to finalize Sphere

From the right panel choose Cube selection; Set Bottom to 130

Tick the checkmark (upper left corner) to finalize Cube selection

Click Inverse Selection button to inverse selection; Click Delete button to delete selected object

From the Modify Category on the Toolbar choose Add Thickness; Set Thickness to 20

Tick the checkmark (upper left corner) to finalize Add Thickness

From the 3D Shapes Category on the Toolbar choose Sphere; Set Position X to 5, Position Y to 90, Position Z to 160

Click highlighted part on selection cube

Click on mesh-4 to select it

Click Stitch & Scoop on the Toolbar; From the tool panel choose Difference, Choose mesh-13 to subtract

Tick the checkmark (upper left corner) to finalize Difference

From the 3D Shapes Category on the Toolbar choose Cube; Set Width to 150, Height to 20, Depth to 75, Width Segment to 7

Tick the checkmark (upper left corner) to finalize Cube

From the Deform Category on the Toolbar choose Bend; Set Plane to Left/Right, y to -200

Click Move on the Toolbar; Set y to 125, z to 175

Click X to close Transformation panel

Click on difference_1 to select it

Click Stitch & Scoop on the Toolbar; From the Tool panel choose Union

Tick the checkmark (upper left corner) to finalize Union

Click Move on the Toolbar; Set y to 0

Click X to close Transformation panel

Click Color Picker to change color of selected object; Click white

Click OK button to confirm color change

As you continue honing your design skills, remember that SelfCAD offers a wealth of resources to support your learning journey. To deepen your understanding and explore more advanced features, consider checking out the interactive tutorials (https://www.selfcad.com/tutorials) available on the SelfCAD website. The tutorials page provides a treasure trove of guides, tips, and tricks that cater to designers of all levels.

More structured learning experience can also be accessed at the SelfCAD Academy (https://www.selfcad.com/academy/curriculum/), https://www.youtube.com/@3dmodeling101, and 3D Modeling 101 series (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL74nFNT8yS9DcE1UlUUdiR1wFGv9DDfTB). This comprehensive resource offers in-depth courses taught by industry experts, allowing you to master the intricacies of SelfCAD at your own pace