Part 11 (Final): Preload & Cache 3D Assets for Seamless Navigation (Next.js + R3f + Drei)

Description

Make navigation instant: front-load your GLTFs, textures, and cube maps so pages switch without a single micro-loading pause. Summary: Part 11 (Final) of Build an Awwwards-Winning 3D Adidas (Next.js + Three.js Tutorial) shows how to turn a “good” 3D demo into a production-ready experience by preloading critical assets, enabling Three.js caching, and forcing immediate downloads so route changes don’t trigger new requests. You’ll learn how to implement a dedicated preload component, use useLoader proactively, prioritize above-the-fold assets, preload cube maps, and guard the initial animation so it only runs once. This final polish eliminates jarring load flashes and makes your 3D site feel premium — exactly what award-level sites deliver. Chapters: 00:00:00 – Remove redundant imports — slim the bundle and remove dead code. 00:04:00 – Add black background to loading UI — hide DOM bleed during asset fetch. 00:05:31 – Add asset preloading component — force immediate useLoader calls. 00:10:42 – Cube map preloading — cache HDRI/environment maps up front. 00:13:28 – Initial animation for MainStudioModel.tsx — wire entry timeline. 00:17:53 – Run init animation once — session/season logic to avoid repeat plays. CTAs: 💾 “Get the source code on GitHub – link in description!” https://github.com/Ali-Sanati/awwwards-adidas 🔔 “Subscribe and turn on notifications to follow all 13 parts!” https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPyOTUKsy6rTL9M7SRug7pYGiYK2ljQnJ Social Links: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ali.sanatidev/reels/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ali-sanati/ 🐦 X (Twitter): https://x.com/Ali_Sanati_Dev/ 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ali_sanati_dev/ 📺 Full Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPyOTUKsy6rTL9M7SRug7pYGiYK2ljQnJ #Threejs #Nextjs #ReactThreeFiber #GSAP #Awwwards