You could 'model' the panels by substracting small gaps from it, but that seems even more time consuming.
We work with the multiple surfaces as well. Sometimes even duplicates of the same excact same surface to stop elements from 'melting together' in views where we want a separator line to show.
The list is still quite manageable though. We have a pretty bare needs template, with the library of cinerender materials available to import any specific needs.
Erwin Edel, Project Lead, Leloup Architecten
www.leloup.nlArchiCAD 9-26NED FULL
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