Parametric Building Modeler Plugin

aarondietzen · 20 Apr 2012, 19:57

We are working on a plugin that will allow a SketchUp user to draw walls and roof geometry.
Once created, the entities are connected, allowing you to move walls and have the roof regenerate automatically.
Roof and wall properties are editable after being input, meaning you can modify the building you create.

All of this within SketchUp!

Check out the short video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1SqVGIwNpxY to see a prototype.

IM me or respond in this post if you would be willing to help us out by participating in a focus group for this product!

Thanks!
Aaron

aarondietzen · 20 Apr 2012, 20:57

I should point out that the user interface shown in the video is limited, and prototype, only. The wall finish, dialogs, and roof presentations will be greatly improved int he final deliverable.

utiler · 24 Apr 2012, 00:17

This is so exciting, guys... I knew someone would nail it!!!!

pilou · 24 Apr 2012, 10:01

Tricky plug!

PS Seems you must answer to phone!

TIG · 24 Apr 2012, 10:24

Very interesting ideas...

By the way your roof surface looks the have its faces incorrectly oriented downwards [it's an easy fix to reverse the faces] - unless of course that's the roof's underside and you are planning to add a proper thickness 'upwards' in the 'full' version ?

Edson · 24 Apr 2012, 10:49

I am curious to see how far the wall tool goes. will it be possible to "clean" the corners where two walls meet?

aarondietzen · 24 Apr 2012, 14:57

@edson said:

I am curious to see how far the wall tool goes. will it be possible to "clean" the corners where two walls meet?

In the video, the prototype version of software did a very "quick and dirty" gap filling on the walls at the corners. The final deliverable will create much more elegant corners, without all the extra lines.

@tig said:

Very interesting ideas...

By the way your roof surface looks the have its faces incorrectly oriented downwards [it's an easy fix to reverse the faces] - unless of course that's the roof's underside and you are planning to add a proper thickness 'upwards' in the 'full' version ?

Yes, the roof was intentionally modeled with "backwards" faces. This was simply for display purposes (to differentiate the roof surface from the walls).

I KNEW I should have changed that before posting here!

And, yes, the final deliverable will allow the modeler to specify the actual thickness of the roof at the overhang, and allow you to actually display the fascia and soffit closure at the end of the roof.

@unknownuser said:

Tricky plug!
PS Seems you must answer to phone!

Yeah.. I did not notice the phone ringing... I had no idea my microphone was on!

Thanks for the feedback, all, and again, if anyone is interested in giving us feedback and working with us to develop this product, please drop me a PM.

Thanks,
Aaron

kingsi · 8 May 2012, 14:43

This pluggin looks great. Nice one

aarondietzen · 31 May 2012, 14:16

New video of the software that we will be releasing to our focus group by the end of this week. If you are interested in joining the group, drop me a PM!

Thanks!
Aaron

utiler · 1 Jun 2012, 00:38

That's sweet, Aaron!!

When do you think you'll release a copy to play with? I already have some notes about enhancements, etc....

Well done so far; I have been hoping to cross paths with someone like you guys!!!!!

iichiversii · 1 Jun 2012, 00:56

This is fantastic, I want it...

iichiversii · 1 Jun 2012, 16:49

Said I would add another post to this to get it bk up there with the new topics, looks great

aarondietzen · 1 Jun 2012, 22:11

The plugin is now available to those in the Focus/Beta group!

If anyone else is interested in joining (and running the software) just drop me a PM!

Thanks!
Aaron

aarondietzen · 13 Jun 2012, 14:46

We have a new version available for pre-release! If you are interested in helping us out by running this plugin and giving us your feedback, send me a PM and I will get you a copy to use today!

Thanks!
Aaron

aarondietzen · 19 Jun 2012, 20:46

A new version of the plugin, now officially dubbed BuildEdge PLAN, is available to members of our focus group.

This newest version includes the ability to draw a wall or roof, and then modify their properties. This will allow you to draft a layout, and then make changes on the fly to the roof geometry or wall size/location.

Check out the link below to see a quick video:

If you are interested in using the pre-release version, drop me a PM, and I will add you to the focus group!

Thanks,
Aaron

utiler · 20 Jun 2012, 02:10

Really coming along well, Aaron; it's incredible what you guys are doing!!!!!