Wall Plugin for SketchUp

[Medeek]

Tutorial 10 - Posts (14:24 min.)

https://youtu.be/xUj6RHPPHBE

Round or Greek/Roman columns would also be a nice addition to this module but I'm not entirely sure on the construction or geometry of them.  They typically have a gradual taper and then the top (capital) always has some interesting geometry (Doric, Ionic, Corinthian):





If I can figure out the math and right proportions for these types of columns then I can probably add them to the module with minimal effort.

[Medeek]

I will provide an additional option called the "classical option".

This will allow for classical (round) columns, the parameters will initially be:

Classical Order: Tuscan, Doric, Ionic, Corinthian, Composite
Diameter: (12" default)
Capital: Yes/No
Base: Yes/No
Material:

At some point I should also provide the option for a fluted column and additional parameters for a pedestal. Yes, this is a bit of a rabbit hole, but really not as deep as initially thought it might be. I'll start simple first and then incrementally add more features as requested.

I'm making the assumption that all of these classical columns are non-structural (ie. FRP) so the standard wood or steel posts will still be drawn/installed inside of the classical column.

[Medeek]

First look at a classical column with the updated menu items:



The diminution/entasis is the correct 5/6 ratio and it follows an arc/curve tangent to the lower cylindrical section of the column.  I've created the arc with eight segments which seems to be more than adequate (could probably get away with six).  I have my own smoothing routine so the tangent edge at the 1/3 point on the column is not shown.

Now I just need to come up with some proper bases and capitals for the different orders and we will have some classical columns available.

I could hollow out the interior but I don't see a big need for that since each manufacturer is going to have their own wall thickness, and it just adds to the overall polycount.  Comments or thoughts?

I suppose I could make the diminution ratio also user driven but for now I'll just hardcode in the 5/6 ratio since this seems to be the most common.

[Medeek]

First look at a Doric Column with both the capital and base enabled:



To my knowledge this is the only SketchUp plugin that allows one to parametrically create classical columns, I'm pretty excited about this.

The components utilized for the capital and base are within the components sub-folder of the plugin and can easily be replaced with a users own file if so desired.

For my geometry I've been studying the references and drawings found on this site:

http://theclassicalorders.com/thedoricorder.html

This website has very detailed explanations and drawings of the various orders, which I have found to be extremely helpful.

The Ionic, Corinthian and Composite capitals are very intricate and complex 3D geometries.  I'm not even going to attempt to draw those myself, even though I can program plugins my modeling skills are just not up to par.  I think I can rely on the 3D warehouse and some of you power users to point me in the right direction as to what would be the most accurate and low poly model that I can incorporate into the plugin for each of these orders.

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/fef54607-e1d6-4f5d-a4a7-f590fbeb98cc/Doric-Column

[Medeek]

Version 1.3.3 - 04.05.2020
- Added a classical column option to the post module: Tuscan, Doric



Once I have capital/base geometry for the three other column types (ionic, corinthian, composite) I will add them to the module as well.

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/e6bc4c8f-b431-4d1e-97ea-411411ebc6c2/Doric-and-Tuscan-Columns

[Medeek]

I've managed to squeeze a bit more polygons out of the corinthian capital however it is still quite large.  I've also generated my own ionic capital.  It is fairly basic but it will do for now:



The key elements of the ionic capital are dimensionally correct and that is what is most important to me.

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/0470ae9c-6ec1-45fe-b955-38959b1da959/Classic-Columns

[Medeek]

Version 1.3.3b - 04.07.2020
- Added the following classical column types: Tuscan /w Astragal, Doric /w Astragal, Ionic, Corinthian



Spent only a couple days on the classical columns but it was time well spent.  I now have a much better understanding of the various orders and some of the intricacies and theory on how they all go together.  That is why I love this job, I learn something new everyday.

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/fdd211c4-f821-44a2-bb2e-1f52fa951dbc/Classical-Columns-Part-II

[Medeek]

Version 1.3.3c - 04.08.2020
- Corrected the abacus of the Tuscan and Doric capitals



Updated model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/fdd211c4-f821-44a2-bb2e-1f52fa951dbc/Classical-Columns-Part-II

Not sure how I initially got this wrong but suffice it to say it is now right.

[Medeek]

Version 1.3.3d - 04.09.2020
- Added a fluting option for the following column types: Doric, Ionic, Corinthian



View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/b22772aa-6635-42e2-8e97-1c7b9e30fdde/Fluted-Columns

The fluting is represented using a texture/material.  The effect is not 100% when viewing the columns up close but I think the effect is adequate for most situations.  Note that the Doric column has 20 flutes whereas the ionic and corinthian have 24 flutes.

[Medeek]

The new post module is really a plugin within a plugin when you think about it.  The assemblies it creates (similar to the beam module and stair module) are standalone assemblies within the wall plugin. 

One could argue that I should split all of these modules out into separate plugins (ie. windows/doors, beams, posts, stairs, trimming tools).  I do think the trimming tools (currently found in the Truss plugin) should be split out into a stand alone plugin since it can find application with any SketchUp geometry and not just Medeek related groups/assemblies.

On the flip side one could argue that with so much functionality included within the wall plugin it is good value for the money. 

All in all, I'm very excited to not only get the post module completed (its been on the todo list for quite some time) but also to quite unexpectedly enable a classical column feature. 

Now that I've got the post module monkey off of my back I'm giving some more serious thought to extending the window and door modules to include non-Medeek walls or Generic Walls as I like to call them.  I've already had some experience (and code) doing this sort of thing with the electrical plugin so it isn't impossible, however there may be a few hurdles or technical challenges I haven't foreseen yet. 

I don't know, I'm still rolling it around in my head this morning.  If it feels right I may take the plunge.

[Medeek]

Version 1.3.4 - 04.14.2020
- Added transoms for all rectangular door types.
- Enabled all grille options for door transoms.



I may need to finesse the various grilles to better suite the transom window (dependent on its aspect ratio) but for now it is generally working as it should.

[Medeek]

Adding a transom for an arched doorway (with or without sidelites) is an interesting permutation on the problem.  In that case the transom would be arched however the door (and sidelites) would be rectangular as usual:



There are some variations to this though:





It gives me a headache just trying to figure out how to commit all of these possibilities into code.  At some point if a door assembly becomes to "custom" I probably just need to leave it to the user to insert their own assembly/component.

I also need to enable arched doorways for doors with sidelites but no transom, the work never ends:



Without a doubt the rectangular doors are so much more linear and boring.

[Medeek]

Updated todo list (as of Apr. 14, 2020):

1.) Gable and Shed Walls
2.) Move the Estimating module to the new  Medeek Project  extension, and further develop this module as it relates to the wall plugin.
3.) Complete the Wall Join tool.
4.) Convert the Window, Door and Garage Door Draw menus to HTML.
5.) Move the Fixtures module to a the new  Medeek Interior  extension.
6.) Compete the standalone columns/post tool.
6b) Classical columns for the post tool.
7.) Start work on the integrated  Medeek Engineering  extension, start with window and door headers for vertical loads.
8.) A generic Blocking module is still a good idea in my opinion, I will need further feedback on this one.
9.) Transom windows above doors with and without sidelites.
10.) Shear Wall module which will ultimately integrate with the engineering plugin.
11.) Complete the Wall Stretch tool (75% complete as of 02/24/2020)
12.) Additional door and window types as requested (eg. bi-fold, sliding glass, double and triple single hung windows).
13.) Spend some time on the new tabs in the global settings, currently showing an Under Construction sign.
14.) Presets for Windows and Doors
15.) Making the Window and Door modules work with generic walls, not just Medeek walls.
16.) Multi-layer gypsum
17.) Stair module permutations:  U, L, T etc...
18.)  Further "idiot" proofing of the plugins:  (zero value, nil values, checking for impossible geometry, etc...)
19.) Wall Justification
20.) Interior trim added to Medeek Interior extension.

Items in strikethrough have been recently completed.

A full list of what has been added or updated can be viewed here:

http://design.medeek.com/resources/wallpluginchangelog.html

[Medeek]

Version 1.3.4b - 04.15.2020
- Added transoms for arched door types.

[Medeek]

Door with transom and sidelite and wall trim:



Arched door with transom and wall trim:

[Medeek]

I've added a parameter which shows the leg height of the transom or arched door way, it is currently not a user editable parameter but I will test it further and may make it user definable if that makes sense:



The arch leg height is defined or calculated by the following three parameters:

door width (w), transom/door height (h), arch radius (r )

and given by the following equation:

L = h - r(1-cos(asin(0.5*w/r)))

[Medeek]

First look at an arched door with sidelites and transom:

[Medeek]

I'm trying to wrap up the whole arched door (with sidelites) issue.  I'm currently looking at the situation where you have sidelites but no transom, this turns out to be the more complicated situation since both the door and the sidelites follow the arch of the doorway.

As nearly as I can tell an arched door always will have double sidelites and not a single sidelite:



Correct me if I'm wrong.

[Medeek]

Version 1.3.5 - 04.18.2020
- Enabled single and double sidelites for arched doors with a transom.
- Added a leg height parameter to the door edit menu for arched doors.
- Enabled double sidelites for arched doors without a transom.





Along the way I also addressed some minor bugs with regards to door openings and the exterior wall trim.  I highly recommend upgrading to this latest release.

[Medeek]

Tutorial 11 - Split Wall Cladding (6:49 min.)

https://youtu.be/cnuoLeFI7Kg

With the polyline stemwall module I have already implemented an option for hiding edges (same sort of issue).  I may do the same for the cladding however in a situation like this, where you have two walls of dissimilar height things get a bit more complicated.

[Medeek]

Version 1.3.6 - 04.22.2020
- Resolved an issue with UTF-8 encoding.

[Medeek]

After some further analysis it would seem that I need one additional "end" wall condition, see image below:



In this situation you have multiple walls coming together at a single location.  The exterior walls constitute an inside corner however the interior wall is not a normal "tee" intersection.  If one uses the "end" condition then the end of the interior wall is wrapped with gypsum as shown and the gypsum on the exterior wall is not removed.  It you try to use a "tee" condition the interior wall top plate wants to remove part of the exterior wall's top plate, so this doesn't really work either.

I am going to call this wall condition a "terminal" wall condition.  Essentially it is identical in behavior to the "end" wall condition however it does not get a gypsum wrap (interior walls), but it will also still remove any gypsum/sheathing/cladding of any wall it terminates against.

See model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/0ab6f9a1-e1ff-43c2-bcff-96db69cb1438/Terminal-Wall-Condition

[Medeek]

Version 1.3.7 - 04.25.2020
- Fixed the HTML tabs of the global settings (page 2).

[Medeek]

Version 1.3.7b - 04.25.2020
- Added a Global Reset button in the General tab of the Global Settings.



No more messing around with registry entries, plist files and JSON files.  Just click the button and you start with a clean slate, why didn't I think of this before.

[Medeek]

Version 1.3.8 - 04.26.2020
- Added additional logic to the blocking and insulation modules for short wall panels.