Archicad Bim modeling software

I have been using Archicad virtual modeling software for all my designs since 2006. Previously I used Autocad.
ArchiCAD is an architectural BIM CAD software for Macintosh and Windows developed by the Hungarian company Graphisoft. Development started in 1982 for the original Apple Macintosh.
ArchiCAD is recognized as the first CAD product on a personal computer able to create both 2D drawings and parametric 3D geometry.[1] In its debut in 1987 ArchiCAD also became the first implementation of BIM under Graphisoft's Virtual Building concept.[2][3] Today more than 150,000 architects are using it in the building design industry.[citation needed]
ArchiCAD allows the user to work with data-enhanced parametric objects, often called "smart objects" by users. This differs from the operational style of other CAD programs created in the 1980s. The product allows the user to create a "virtual building" with virtual structural elements like walls, slabs, roofs, doors, windows and furniture. A large variety of pre-designed, customizable objects come with the program.
ArchiCAD allows the user to work with either a 2D or 3D representation on the screen. Two-dimensional drawings can be exported at any time, even though the model in the program's database always stores data in three dimensions. Plans, elevations, and sections are generated from the three dimensional virtual building model and are constantly updated if the user 'rebuilds' the view. Detail drawings are based on enlarged portions of the model, with 2D detail added in. ArchiCAD released its first file exchange based Teamwork solution in its version 5.1 in 1997. Teamwork "2.0" with BIM-server database approach came out in version 13, 2009. In the latter version after first loggin-in only the changes are moved to BIM-server and back from user machines. This way BIM-server and BIM server manager software included in the package enable even worldwide design collaboration and co-ordination.
Third-party vendors and some manufacturers of architectural products have compiled libraries of architectural components for use in ArchiCAD. The program includes Geometric Description Language (GDL) used to create new components. Also API (Application Programming Interface) and ODBC database connections are supported), for third party Add-On developers. Via direct API links to 4D and 5D software such as Vico Office Suite or Tocoman iLink, ArchiCAD model can be exported to BIM-based cost estimation and scheduling. ArchiCAD is also directly linked via API to Solibri's Model checking and quality assurance tools.
The newest version (2010) is ArchiCAD 14.
ArchiCAD can import and export DWG, DXF IFC and SketchUp files among others. Graphisoft is an active member of the International Alliance for Interoperability (IA), an industry organization that publishes standards for file and data interoperability for architectural CAD.
n ArchiCAD 14 Graphisoft has addressed the importance of interoperability and collaboration centering its attention forthrightly on the exchange of data via both “open standards” and public-proprietary standards. By doing so the company has turned ArchiCAD 14 into arguably the world’s most “open” BIM program across any sector of BIM in AEC.

Radiant Heat

My last post I spoke about the importance of the right insulation. I choose blown in insulation over batt insulation because of its cost value,and because blown in fills the wall cavity completely. I have since moved on to installing radiant heat in the new
bathroom addition. The radiant system is from The Radiant Floor Company in Vermont. There are various methods of installing radiant heat that depend of different factors for determining the correct method. The bathroom addition was over a unheated crawlspace that was on grade. I isolated the pex tubing from the unheated crawlspace using the "sleeper method" . This works by sandwiching the pex tubing between two layers of OSB plywood. Below the first layer of subfloor is the insulation barrier that is between the crawlspace and bathroom. Next is a thin layer of fiber reinforced aluminum stapled directly to the first subfloor. Resting on top is the 1/2" pex tubing. The pex is 8"on center and sits between a 3/4" channel made with 2x3 lumber. The pex is pushed into the channel with malleable aluminum plates that form to the shape of the pex. Final layer is another subfloor that rests on top of the sleepers (2x3 lumber). This method allowed me to create a subfloor that is also the heat source for the room.

1801 East Tioga

Currently I am in the midst of a renovation project at the home I live in the city. One of the the projects in the house required is new insulation on the top floor between ceiling and roof. The home was losing heat (and money) through the roof because of poor insulation.

Maximizing the insulation for your green home is the most important step you can take towards reducing the heating and cooling energy requirements of your home and conserving energy. Many options are available to you, such as fiberglass batt, rigid or blown-in insulation.

There are two products at the top of my list Spray foam insulation and cellulose blown in insulation.

Let us look at cellulose blown-in insulation, which, in my opinion, is one of the greenest options available today for existing homes. Cellulose blown-in insulation is made of post-consumer, recycled paper, most often newspapers. With the new blowers available today, the insulation can be blown in and compacted to a high density. This will eliminate the settling of the insulation, which is what has happened with blown-in insulation applied 10 or so years ago.

Blown-in insulation is the best option to make sure that the insulation is applied tightly and continuously around electrical outlets, piping, wiring and ductwork. It can reduce air leaks considerably, compared to having batt insulation installed. All those special boxes you can buy to prevent air leaks around electrical outlets have been developed to fix improperly installed batt insulation.

Where would I apply Blown-in insulation?

In addition to providing excellent thermal insulation, cellulose blow-in insulation will also provide very good sound proofing between rooms, from noisy pipes, showers and bathtubs. The spaces around bathtub and shower basins can easily be filled with blown-in insulation. Family members coming home late and wanting to take a shower, will no longer wake everyone up when the water runs. Of course, they might still slam the doors.

Insulating the wall between the family room and adjoining bedrooms is another good application of blown-in insulation. You will be able to sleep, while other family members play music, watch TV, and laugh in the family room.

If you have a door to separate the family room, you can turn the thermostat down in this room when it is not used for longer periods of time. With the insulation in between the family room and adjoining rooms, you will not loose heat from the warmer rooms to the cooler family room.

What about Mold?

Cellulose insulation is treated with non-toxic boric compounds to protect it from mold. This treatment also provides fire and insect resistance.

Conclusion

I believe that one of the best options for providing good, lasting, environmentally friendly, non-toxic insulation for your home is to use blown-in cellulose insulation. If you live in a row home or home with attic and suspect poor insulation then get an energy audit done before the next winter.

11/06/2011

I am getting close to wrapping up a second bathroom addition on the 1st flr where I currently live.
The design is based on typical Japanese design aesthetics of placing the toilet in a separate space away from the bathing area and also having a separate changing room. In my design the changing room has  storage for towels and toiletries, a basket for clothes, a place to hang your robe and a sink.
That leaves the bathing room with tub and shower that is entered via the shower door.

This addition began with tearing down the original bathroom addition that was poorly insulated,
had aluminum wiring, water damaged sub floor soft enough to put your foot through and termite damage.

I rebuilt on the existing foundation framing with 2x4 pressure treated lumber for the bottom plate and also studs to resist future water and termite damage. I cantilevered the roof 4'-6" beyond the wall with 2x6 studs to offer shade over a small walk out deck,then insulated with r-19 batt and reflectix foil insulation for a combined r-30 http://www.reflectixinc.com/ .
Exterior  is T 111 exterior grade sheathing protected with wood stain.
insulation in walls are standard r-13 batt insulation covered with 5/8" drywall. crawlspace was completely insulated using reflectix foil insulation, then double 6 ml plastic over the dirt crawlspace.

Heating is supplied via radiant heat through 1/2" oxygen barrier pex tubing sandwiched between two 5/8" sub floors.  Finished flooring is Kimona Silk 12x24 tile from Daltile Philadelphia branch
 http://www.daltile.com/series.cfm?series=254

Asian deep soaking tub was ordered from  American Reinforced Plastics http://www.arpbathtubs.com/product.php?id=38

  Polished chrome Tiamo shower was ordered from Hudson Reed UK.
http://usa.hudsonreed.com/tiamo-designer-thermostatic-shower-faucet-system-with-fixed-head-and-handset.html

 Grohe Eurodisk II Roman Tub Filler handles the tub filling duties for the 65 gallon soaking tub.


Toilet room  is completed with Toto toilet, and Barclay tina mini sink with Vigo single lever faucet.
http://www.wayfair.com/Vigo-Industries-Sierra-Left-Sided-Single-Handle-Bathroom-Faucet-in-Chrome-VG01027CH-VGU1028.html?refid=FR49-VGU1028

Dauphin Street Project.

Mancini Design Build Presents Kensington Green. A project for 2132 - 34 Dauphin st Philadelphia, pa 19125.
This project represents the company philosophy of energy efficient home design and construction.
All aspects of affordable home ownership have been carefully considered while maintaining the best in energy efficient design and construction.