topic Re: multi split level buildings in Modeling

multi split level buildings

KeesW — Wed, 24 May 2023 10:43:21 GMT

I am drawing my own existing house. It has 6 levels, 4 of them are split. It was started in AC17 and than transferred to AC18 to make use of the better features in this version. I am having endless problems with Archicad's philosophy of only showing walls on each storey. 'All relevant storeys' doesn't work properly because the house is too complicated. In fact, it is a nightmare. I can understand why Archicad's examples and tutorials focus on simple single or multi-story buildings - users might otherwise be discouraged. This one certainly is.

Re: multi split level buildings

Dontknow — Sat, 17 Jan 2015 14:55:06 GMT

Maybe this youtube video can help:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osEAOJgDPPU

Sterkte

Re: multi split level buildings

Tim Ball — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 07:51:59 GMT

Kees, the key to this is to create different views using different cut planes, then connect them in a layout. I design a lot of multi level buildings and have got used to it now, but I agree GS. Could address the issue better.

Re: multi split level buildings

KeesW — Sun, 01 Feb 2015 23:48:20 GMT

Dontknow
the video looks useful - if only I could understand it!

Re: multi split level buildings

KeesW — Sun, 01 Feb 2015 23:50:57 GMT

Tim
How do you set levels and stories when splits are staggered @ 1350mm?
Could you please expand your answer?

Re: multi split level buildings

Tim Ball — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 07:59:35 GMT

I have a current design that has a ground floor where the walls are at 0, then an upper ground where the walls are at 1350.

Draw you model with all the elements at the correct z value to create your split level all within the ground floor storey.

Create a normal view for the ground floor using a conventional cut-plane of say 1100.

Then create another view for the upper ground floor with a cut-plane of say 2450 (1350+1100). That cuts the doors and windows correctly for the upper ground floor.

Place both views onto a layout and knit them together along the line of the level change. What you then see is a single ground floor plan showing both levels correctly.

Re: multi split level buildings

KeesW — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 10:25:18 GMT

Tim
So you don't use stories? Instead, you create everything on the Ground Floor and then separate them into required stories with cut lines. Each separated 'storey' is then saved in its own Navigator view map. Have I got that right?

I had hoped that 'All relevant stories' would do that.

Re: multi split level buildings

Erwin Edel — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 10:57:15 GMT

As a 'rule of thumb' I divide the stories up with the 1.500 mm floorplan plane projection in mind. If the split level gap is close to or more than 1.500 mm, I would create a seperate story for it. If it is more like a 1.000 mm or smaller difference, I would set up a 2nd set of view with adjusted floorplan cutplan (for example 2.500 mm).

There tends to be a certain amount of masking of unwanted elements etc with the small story differences, but it is possible to make it work.

Also keep in mind the behaviour of things like stairs with story up and story down symbol. Doors and windows are also notoriously fiddly with 2d symbols.

Things like wall projection play a huge part in getting the floorplan to look like you would want.

Sometimes you have to divide walls up vertically per story to get the sort of behaviour you would like in floor plans.

Re: multi split level buildings

Erwin Edel — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 11:02:23 GMT

Example section to hopefully clarify.

Re: multi split level buildings

KeesW — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 22:49:24 GMT

Thank you all. I'll just keep going.
Maybe 2D CAD is not dead after all.

Re: multi split level buildings

gpowless — Tue, 03 Feb 2015 12:20:16 GMT

My storey settings refer both to floor levels and top of walls. That way I can bridge multiple storey levels (show walls on All Relevant Storeys) and still remain true to floor plan views.

The real trick to this method is to be able to set the elevations in proper relation to each wall height since the elevation must correspond to the storey above and below. However, once mastered, changing storey heights becomes a breeze without affecting the placement of other elements.

Re: multi split level buildings

rob2218 — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 01:53:54 GMT

this truly does seem like a LOT of graphical cut plane and viewmap gymnastics just to get the plans to read right.....I mean, in all honesty, speaking out loud, you'd think that after, what.....18 versions of Archicad....Graphisoft would somehow figured out how to do this task of the "1/2 story" issue.

I'm sure this discussion has been around since Archicad 1.0......but to date, nothing has been truly programmed.

Perhaps in the next version....the "walls" settings could have more than just "show in relative stories" or "show in home story only".

Perhaps walls can have the ability to be selected in "custom" story you want to show it...whether it story 1, story 2 or story 1.5, instead of only 2 options to where to show walls in plan view.

Re: multi split level buildings

Anonymous — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 07:58:49 GMT

"KeesW" wrote:
Thank you all. I'll just keep going.
Maybe 2D CAD is not dead after all.

My opinion is keep it for flexibility, but be careful on when and where 2D is applied.

Re: multi split level buildings

Hmooslechner — Fri, 13 Mar 2015 10:04:19 GMT

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cAWeTyyDBqQ

and in german much simpler and shorter:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GSqwqFU46o

Re: multi split level buildings

Anonymous — Fri, 01 Apr 2016 12:13:25 GMT

Rob2218
Agreed. As a newbie I am trying to work out how to model and view a typical floor plan. The absolute basic requirement of an architect.
The building I am working on is mulit level / split level and it seems from reading this blog that.....Archicad cant really do it. Furthermore, to achieve a work around you need considerable skill to perform 'viewmap gymnastics'.

Perhaps I'll get there in 6 months time. In the meantime 2D cad wins hands down.

Argh! Just a little frustrated