Rectanular openings in walls - what's the best way?

[Dave F.]

Hi
I'm using Revit '09

What's the pros & cons for producing a rectangular void in a wall using either 'edit profile' or 'Opening in wall'?

I've noticed 'Openings' has it's own Element Properties box, so it appears to be easier to move. Are there any other advantages?

[Andre Carvalho]

If you want have more control over your opening, you can use a door or window family (edit them, delete all elements and only keep the opening there). Or make it a generic model wall based if you don't want it to be scheduled.

Andre Carvalho

[Dave F.]

Hi

Isn't that taking the scenic route?

What advantages would that have over creating an Opening?

[Andre Carvalho]

Hi

Isn't that taking the scenic route?

What advantages would that have over creating an Opening?

Well, as I said, you will have more control over it. You can control the height from the reference level, width, height, all in the properties box (you can even schedule it and control it from a list). Also, I found better to align these families than trying to align wall openings. I wouldn't even consider editing the wall profile if it is more than onerectangular opening in the project.

Andre Carvalho

[sbrown]

I like a generic model family that has a variable width(instance) and a fixed (type based) height. I like this because I can add trim to it, add overhead dashed lines and it doesn't break the room bounding of the wall.

[mruehr]

Also when Joining 2 Parallel Walls the Opening will not transfer through the joint Wall,
but will with the Family.

[Dave F.]

Well, as I said, you will have more control over it. You can control the height from the reference level, width, height, all in the properties box


Can't you do that with openings?



(you can even schedule it and control it from a list). Also, I found better to align these families than trying to align wall openings.


Thanks, I'll give that a go.




I wouldn't even consider editing the wall profile if it is more than onerectangular opening in the project.

Andre Carvalho

[Scott Womack]

Can't you do that with openings?
Thanks, I'll give that a go.

You can do it, but it is certainly not the most efficient way to do so. Also, creating an opening your way in an existing wall will not provide any Demolition feedback/ demoed portion of the wall.

I've attached a simply family I created several versions ago (It might be 2008 now, I just have not upgraded all of my personal content). This will show you what can be easily done.

[tomnewsom]

I like a generic model family that has a variable width(instance) and a fixed (type based) height. I like this because I can add trim to it, add overhead dashed lines and it doesn't break the room bounding of the wall.

This is exactly what I do. Although I put Height to Instance as well, as I use the family a lot when modelling Existing conditions. Rectangular Wall Openings are a real pain to keep aligned, and edit Profile can screw around with attachements and wall joins. Here's a bunch of useful families for rectangular and arched openings and recesses. Dashed "overhead" lines are included in the family and all parameters are Instanced. I sometimes use a Recess instead of an Opening when I only want one Overhead line to show. The 'arc recess' family is like cutting a part of a vertical cylinder out of the wall.