How to make a window look like a door?

[rob2218]

Here's my dilemma?
I need to make a window have 'adjustable' top, bottom, and side rails? how do I do this?
I don't just want "fixed" same size all around for the frame...I need the window to function like a door object were we can adjust the top, bottom, and side rails of a doors panel.
how can I do this?
Also, if I can NOT adjust the windows rails to be different, then how can I make a door tag be a "hexagon"? right now the door tag is "greyed out" therefore I can NOT change the shape of the door tag.

(see attached).

[Laszlo Nagy]

It is possible to model custom Windows Sashes and use that with most of the default ArchiCAD Windows. That is one way of doing it. (The custom Windows Sash will not be parametric.)

[rob2218]

OK, understood. So, instead of having to use a "static" custom sash....how else can I make the side, top and bottom rails (frame) for a window be different? What I'm running into is that the architect wants a "window" to look just like his doors but be windows. I found out yesterday that if you change the "door tag type" to a different you have access to different symbols shapes...ie hex, square, etc. but other than that......how else?

[Laszlo Nagy]

I am afraid if you want parametric Window Sashes you would have to modify the scripts of those GDL Objects.

[rob2218]

ok Lasz.....I thought that was the case I just needed confirmation. You know how it goes on the AC software, there are a million ways to skin that cat so I thought I'd ask to see if by any chance there was some solution.

thanks,
at least I got half the question solved with the hex symbol tag using a different door tag symbol.

[Karl Ottenstein]

Just curious Rob... in your example, you're showing a fixed door panel adjacent to an operable door. That's a pretty standard US patio door configuration. Why do you want the fixed panel considered a 'window'? The manufacturer would mull them together as one 'door' unit...

[rob2218]

well...you have a point.
I just wanted to use a "window" object for the "window" part of the mulled pieces rather than use a "door object".
that's all. I wanted to tag the door and window as one tag and be on the schedule, which by the way....that's another question I have for down the line. how to get two doors to read as one door mulled together on the door schedule so I only have "ONE" door number (tag) assigned to both doors.

But yes, I suppose it would be 2 doors, one operable, the other not, mulled together as one.

Karl wrote:
Just curious Rob... in your example, you're showing a fixed door panel adjacent to an operable door. That's a pretty standard US patio door configuration. Why do you want the fixed panel considered a 'window'? The manufacturer would mull them together as one 'door' unit...

[Karl Ottenstein]

I used the Cadimage Door/Window tool to create a door like that - one of their standard 'styles' - single inswing French. The advantage there is that it is a single element for scheduling, and if you do a graphic schedule showing an elevation or plan view - the graphics will be correct.

Trying to mull things together in AC can give the appearance you need for plan/elevation/3D - but as you note, makes schedules problematic. If you only have text schedules, you can choose to omit the fixed door panel for example - but if you display the actual RO or unit width, it will be wrong - as it will only show the operable unit. If you want to do a graphic schedule, the assembly just won't show. You'll have to fake it with manual drawing overlays.

It is frustrating that Graphisoft has not recognized such basic, standard functionality and offered it by now ... leaving us instead to have to buy the much too expensive (due to having to pay again for each release - or go on subscription) Cadimage solutions. The last time I used Cadimage doors/windows was version 15 ... and at that point, they were missing a lot of basic functionality found in the standard library, such a different width trim for vertical vs horizontal. Nothing then gave 100% of what was needed.

Edit: PS I didn't look at your plan view. I see now the 2 left panels are both fixed and the adjacent door is a double-operable 'french' door. Same issue... just not the single inswing French with fixed panel that I was rambling about.

[rob2218]

Only thing about CadIMage Karl is the cost. it's prohibitively expensive.
Graphisoft should take clues from these guys though. they have some nice add-ons.
Wouldnt' be surprised if they get absorbed one day like Adesk does to some of it's good add-on programmers.

[SenecaDesignLLC]

rob2218 wrote:
Only thing about CadIMage Karl is the cost. it's prohibitively expensive.
Graphisoft should take clues from these guys though. they have some nice add-ons.
Wouldnt' be surprised if they get absorbed one day like Adesk does to some of it's good add-on programmers.

I used to swear by cadimage but blech. try D3 smart parts. i hate graphisofts standard doors and windows, but the smart parts are a good inbetween, and you dont have to ever upgrade to use them. for 99 bucks you cant beat what you get.