Want to create your own total custom
windows? Round tops, sloped head, or sill etc. Creating your own custom windows
in AC 8 is easier than before:
1. Draw or build the custom window with slabs, walls and other tools so that the window is face down on the ground. Be sure to use a single slab for the glass that will also act as the WallHole. (So have it go through the Mullions to the jamb.) Build the window so the center of it is the project zero.
2. Select your creation and activate the 3D window (no need to go 3D window settings)
3. Chose File/GDL Ojbects/Save 3D Model as (Name it and place it in a project specific library) The file type is .gsm (no more .win or .dor)
4. A dialog box will come up with 3 buttons at the top. Select the middle button for a window, check remove redundant lines and choose format as editable gdl script.
5. Draw a wall and place your new window in it.
6. Now if your window has a non-square WallHole we will need to select the window and choose File/GDL Ojbects/Open Object. (Don't be afraid we just need to copy and paste some GDL)
7. Click on the 3D Script button. Scroll down until you see the script that is your single slab that you used to make the glass. Select and Copy the script that starts with cPRISM_ "Glass", "Glass", "Glass" and ends with BODY -1. (all the stuff between is the coordinates we will be using for the WallHole)
8. Scroll down to the end of the script and
paste. Delete the first pasted line that likely looks like:
cPRISM_ "Glass", "Glass", "Glass",
Type in front of the next line type WALLHOLE. (This cuts the wall for the
window. Click the button Check Script.
9. Save the object and Rebuild. Extra Credit: If you want to make it a corner window change the object Subtype by opening the object and clicking on the "select subtype" button in the main window and choosing the corner window subtype. Hope this helps.
David Pacifico, R.A., is president of Pacifico Associates Inc. a leading provider of Architectural IT Solutions and Building Simulation Services. After receiving his degrees from LTU in BA 82 and BArch 83 he became a registered Architect in 86. David worked primarily as a lead designer and project architect for several leading area firms including Prevost Treacy & Partners Inc., Greiner Inc. and Ralph Calder & Associates, Inc. prior to starting Pacifico Associates Inc.
In founding Pacifico Associates in 1996, David serves the building industry as it transitions to the information age. Pacifico Associates Inc. gives seminars, provides training and solutions for Architects, Interior Designers, and Builders who want to move to a 3D computer model based design process. His Newsletter can be found at http://www.parch.com