I might actually designate the initial release a BETA number but I'm still not decided on that yet.

Right now the plugin is all torn apart as I continue to add in a few additional features like presets and the "remove joist list" option:

This is my current desk setup, I've just added the big monitor to my left which gives me more screen real estate and improves my coding efficiency.  This is where all the magic happens, at least for now.

I also initially used the slab-on-grade code for moving edges of the floor perimeter but now that I'm testing it more extensively it appears that I should probably switch to the code I use for the complex roofs, so some additional adjustments required there as well.

This is how the sausage is made, one line of code at a time.

My wife said my design was boring so I saved a new version and let her try to come up with something a little more interesting…

Version 1.9.7 - 04.23.2024

• Fixed a compatibility bug with SketchUp 2024 (Fixnum & Bignum) while maintaining backward compatibility with previous versions of SketchUp.

Version 3.4.3 - 04.30.2024

• Added ceiling gypsum for tray and coffer trusses.
• Enabled the "Edit Truss Assembly" function for tray and coffer trusses (imperial and metric units).
• Enabled labels for tray and coffer trusses.
• Updated the license verification system with a more secure and improved algorithm.

The original 3D cladding tutorial showed the following four materials:

• Board and Batten
• Shiplap
• Log
• Lap

The three additional ones added since this video are:

• Metal
• Shiplap (Vertical)
• Dutchlap

There are now seven different types of 3D cladding materials one can configure within the Custom Material Library.

Version 3.5.0 - 05.26.2024

• Enabled "flat" ceiling gypsum for dutch gable rafter roofs.
• Enabled "flat" ceiling gypsum for hip rafter roofs.
• Fixed a bug with the global settings for rafter and truss roofs when the layer/tags option is turned off.

CRITICAL BUG FIX!
Version 3.4.7 introduced a bug for both rafter and truss roofs when the layers/tags option is turned off. This release fixes that bug. I highly recommend that everyone download this latest update to correct this bug.

Double sliders are kind of interesting windows.

Sometimes I forget how cool it is to be able to create something like this in SketchUp and have it animate like it does. Can I say I love my job?

The new Rafter Roof menu should be a bit more visual and intuitive for selecting the appropriate roof type:

Version 3.5.6 - 07.03.2024

• Enabled a graphical user interface for Rafter Roof selection.
• Enabled a graphical user interface for Floor selection.
• Fixed a bug introduced in Version 3.5.3 for all I-joist, lumber and truss floors (when adv. floor options disabled).

Version 2.0.1 - 08.01.2024

• Added a duplicate foundation assembly check to the regen module for the following foundation types: Stemwall, SOG, Slab, Stemwall Step, Grade Beam, Strip Footing, Footing.

The instructions for usage are the same as the recent update to the Wall plugin, see Wall Plugin Tutorial #51:

Version 4.0.4 - 07.13.2025

• Added the following steel post types to the post module: Round (HSS), Pipe (NPS).

I'm not sure why I never added a "pipe" option in before, I guess no one ever asked until now.

I will need to add more sizes but I now have the most commonly used sizes from 3" to 6" DIA.

@gullfo I guess I'm not quite understanding which duct type is the problem. Can you send me your SketchUp file so I can further analyze it.

After three weeks of non-stop coding I needed a break so I spent the day at the track (walking, I’m too old to run anymore) and then spent the evening digging up docs on Bryant furnaces. Surprisingly the dimensional data is quite accurate and thorough, here is the result:

Six actual models added, but really there are only three sizes (17.5, 21, 24).

I’ve been giving the calculations more thought and if I am able to incorporate that into the plugin then the BTUs, and other specs on these furnaces will also come in handy. I will probably need to create some sort of database or flat text file that has all the pertinent data on each furnace and the ability for the user to enter in custom furnaces and other appliances.

I always find that doing some low level modeling has an almost therapeutic effect. Maybe SketchUp is just such an fun to use and intuitive modeling environment, either way I find it to be a great way to relax and unwind.

Version 0.9.0 - 07.10.2025

• Created the Medeek HVAC Plugin, utilizing SketchUp's Ruby API.
• Added tools to create ductwork, fittings, and HVAC appliances (AC, furnaces, and heat pumps).

The BETA version is out, you can now download the trial version here:

http://design.medeek.com/calculator/sketchup/medeek_hvac_ext.rbz

Please be advised this is the very first release of the extension and there will be many fires to put out.

Tutorial 1 - Extension Overview (20.18 min.)

I’ve added a manufacturer parameter to the appliances menus since the number of part numbers is going to be so large I think it only makes sense to break these drop down boxes up a bit by “type” and “manufacturer”. There will also be a “generic” option for those parts/appliances that do not have a manufacturer’s logo affixed.

Modeling these various HVAC appliances is a bit tedious since I first have to find somewhat detailed literature or documentation so I can at least get them mostly dimensionally accurate. Some of the features modeled are my best guesses based on images found online since not everything is dimensioned within the manufacturer’s documentation.

I also try to keep the models fairly low poly but typically there is not more than one or two of these appliances within a given model (for residential projects), so I am not as concerned as I am with HVAC fittings.

The following toolbar will be added for HVAC Appliances:

The HVAC Appliance tool will be for adding AC units, furnaces, fans, VAV’s, boilers etc… Essentially any preconfigured HVAC equipment that is not duct work.

The will be simple stand alone assemblies that one can reposition using the native tools.

Oval, round and rectangular are now up and running:

Version 4.0.3 - 07.03.2025

• Fixed a long standing bug (06/27/2023) with the edit dimension tool for framing dimensions (rectangular walls).

I’m debating whether to model the collar as shown. It does make the fitting more realistic but it does add some volume to the overall solid, which may affect my volume calcs if needed. I suppose I could figure out a clever way to calculate this out of the volume if it ever becomes an issue.

Thoughts?

Here is the start of the “boot” library:

4", 5", 6", 7", 8"

The naming convention is:

BOOT90_4X10X6_2

The last number indicates the vertical rise of the register box.

I think I have a enough now to start testing the component insertion logic.

The same duct assembly switched to round and oval profiles:

I don’t really see any other duct profiles being used than these three (Round, Rectangular, Oval).

In the next week I will be adding the “Edit Segment” and “Edit Node” menus/tools. Once those are complete I will need some beta testers to provide feedback and feature suggestions. If you are interested and can provide high quality feedback then I would be willing to issue you a license. Please be aware that this plugin is in no way ready for a production environment. I still need to clean up the global settings (borrowed from the Floor plugin) and a number of tools are still needing to be added.

Please email me (nathan@medeek.com) if you are interested. I probably will only issue about 10 licenses for BETA testers, I don’t want too many voices at this point. My preference is that you are familiar with HVAC and you do some of this modeling within SketchUp.