The Art of IFC to gbXML conversion

Ahoy, mateys! Chartin' a course to create a gbXML file ain't for the faint of heart. One o' our swashbuckling customers braved the murky waters of gbXML creation and unearthed a reliable workflow. Here's their tale o' triumph on the high seas of BIM.

Preparin' to Set Sail

Before ye hoist anchor, be sure yer deck’s loaded with the right booty from yer architect. Ye'll be needin' a trusty IFC Model with Rooms (IfcSpace) and Windows (IfcWindow). Without these essentials, ye’ll be fightin' a rogue wave from the start.

The Inspection Phase

Aye, the first step to smooth sailin' is checkin' yer model bow to stern. Make sure every nook has a space mapped within it. This might seem like grunt work, but believe me, it’s smoother sailin' later if ye catch any leaks in the hull now.

Converting to gbXML Treasure

Once yer model’s shipshape, set yer sights on our web portal to convert it to an abstractBIM gbXML. This be yer map, yer foundation fer the journey ahead. Think of it as ye startin' with a blank parchment—make sure it’s free o' scrawls before chartin' yer course.

Tweak and Tidy

Sometimes, ye need to make a few tweaks here and there. That’s where the OpenStudio Plugin becomes yer mate. Import yer gbXML by followin' this map: Extensions -> OpenStudio -> Import -> Import gbXML Model. Then polish that geometry like ye're polishin' yer cutlass. A well-prepared model be worth its weight in gold.

Time to Launch

With yer finely-tuned gbXML in hand, it’s time to launch yer simulation. Now ye get to see all yer hard work come to life. This be where patience and precision pay off, matey.

Beware, DesignBuilder Buccaneers!

If ye be sailin' with DesignBuilder, there’s a strange current to watch for. Rooms in our system don’t always play nice with theirs. We’re on the case, so run a few test shots before settin' yer sails for the final run.

Pirate Wisdom

From workin' with many a landlubber and salty dog alike, we know success lies in watchin' yer details from the start. Check that all the essentials be in yer IFC treasure chest before ye set sail. Don’t rush the setup—take it slow and steady like a seasoned mariner, and ye’ll avoid many a squall down the line.

Remember, this workflow be a tried and true route for many a sailor, but every voyage be unique. Adapt as ye see fit and trust yer gut—aye, a good pirate's always ready to steer into uncharted waters!