I haven't used the software myself, but my impression is that Ecodesigner is really a helpful
It won't provide totally misleading data to the client or the project team because that is not what you should use it for.
The figures produced only give you an approximation, and shouldn't be used for calculating anything else. That's why it only costs Ā£200, rather than the multiple 1000's of pounds for fully featured software!
Edit - Sorry, I re-read your first post, and I agree that if you put rubbish in you might get rubbish out, but the architect will normally have an idea of the actual materials right at the start, so 'should' be able to give enough info to make the results of the calculations close enough to still be useful. I would have thought that's the whole point of the program!
Have you looked at the videos on the Graphisoft website yet? (See here) They might answer some of your questions.
It won't provide totally misleading data to the client or the project team because that is not what you should use it for.
The figures produced only give you an approximation, and shouldn't be used for calculating anything else. That's why it only costs Ā£200, rather than the multiple 1000's of pounds for fully featured software!
Edit - Sorry, I re-read your first post, and I agree that if you put rubbish in you might get rubbish out, but the architect will normally have an idea of the actual materials right at the start, so 'should' be able to give enough info to make the results of the calculations close enough to still be useful. I would have thought that's the whole point of the program!
Have you looked at the videos on the Graphisoft website yet? (See here) They might answer some of your questions.
im attaching a quick rectangular / monoroof model....AND this is the first time i playd with ecodesigner and 100% positive im doing something incorrect !!
the black volume is a zone created by ecodesigner and i think used to calculate the 'building' volume. In reality the volume calculated is missing the triangular area above it...so its first output / calculation is incorrect.
I can re-enter the real volume calculated 'by hand' and i dont know if the internal eco calcs take into consideration my entered volume or still using the volume created by its zone (the black stuff)...if this volume is taken into consideration for any calcs in th efirst place...or relevant @ all.
again, im learning this thing and this calld my attention
the black volume is a zone created by ecodesigner and i think used to calculate the 'building' volume. In reality the volume calculated is missing the triangular area above it...so its first output / calculation is incorrect.
I can re-enter the real volume calculated 'by hand' and i dont know if the internal eco calcs take into consideration my entered volume or still using the volume created by its zone (the black stuff)...if this volume is taken into consideration for any calcs in th efirst place...or relevant @ all.
again, im learning this thing and this calld my attention
Have spent a few hours with a relatively simple house.
The structure of the program looks promising but:
Can't seem to make the R value of the wall be what it is in the real world.
Instructions say I can limit the area of evaluation with the marquee--doesn't seem to work.
We need much more information about how to manipulate the model to get correct output.
I'm afraid, as usual, we are being used as beta sites
The structure of the program looks promising but:
Can't seem to make the R value of the wall be what it is in the real world.
Instructions say I can limit the area of evaluation with the marquee--doesn't seem to work.
We need much more information about how to manipulate the model to get correct output.
I'm afraid, as usual, we are being used as beta sites
