Creating thin slit windows

[Anonymous]

Hi, I am working on a historic barn conversion and the building has thin 'slit' openings of only 400mm (high) and 70mm (wide). I am trying to model these as my client would like to glaze them with a metal frame opener.

I want to modify an existing window family but due to the constraints I can't resize the openings so thin. Does anyone have an idea how I should approach this?

Thanks in advance, Hannah

[ToanDN]

You have to modify the frame width dimension parameter to the actual dimension to fit in 70 mm opening. The OOTB frame width is probably 50 mm x 2 is 100 mm is not going to fit, hence the error.

[barthbradley]

I'm trying to envision this: the as-built condition has a series of 70mm x 400mm (3" x 16") openings through the walls? And, your client wants to frame and glaze all those openings?

Essentially, you want fixed windows. Why cant you do it with a Window Family? I'm not clear on what constraints would prevent you from being able to accomplish this? Unless you're talking about a real world constraint.

It is plainly a challenge to figure out how it can actually be constructed in the field - especially as a retrofit. I would suggest you build it in Revit exactly as it will be built in the field. In order to do that, you need to find out what to model - in other words: what's going into those slats and how. But, I see no reason why you couldn't model a window family 70mm x 400mm. Heck, you could model a pane of glass 12.7 mm wide in Revit, but building it in the real world that way would be near impossible - or cost-prohibitive to say the least. 

Edit...I must say: it sounds like an interesting design challenge though. I'd love to see a picture of the existing conditions. Want to post it? 

[barthbradley]

Obviously, it can't be done with the OOTB Window Family; the right and left frames alone total more that 70mm wide! 

[Anonymous]

Hi, yes that's right - I'm actually working on two barn conversions with this window detail and both clients wish to glaze rather than infill. Those are the correct dimensions on the outside (though they do vary in height), then they also chamfer so the openings are wider on the inside of the wall.

I have been in touch with some local window contractors and they are suggesting a thin (10-15mm) aluminium or steel frame, and have said they can also make openers as they have come across this before. 

I'm new to Revit but will make the detail as a family. Here is a photo of one of the openings taken during a site survey.

Thanks for the interest, Hannah

[barthbradley]

Thanks Hannah! I’ve seen these on old grain barns in Scotland. Ventilation slits so the grain won’t rot in storage. Where’s this one located?

...and, yes, this can easily be done as a Window Family in Revit. You're on the right track; you've found a real-world solution. You've now got the true dimensional information you need to model it. 

[ToanDN]

@Anonymous

I would start from Window template.  But instead of using the Opening Cut, use a void to get the chamferred opening through the wall.  The rest is pretty straight forward.  Build the frame and glass the actual dimension you want them to be.  It doesn't matter if it is 70 mm or 70 meters, if you can build it in real life you can build it in Revit.

[Anonymous]

Something that small I would just toss in a quick window, like a curtain wall panel and leave it to the details on how the frame will work as you will probably be creating actual size details.

[barthbradley]

You wouldn't do a chamfer, Toan, primarily because this is a retrofit to preserve the original design. The opening cut and shape is exactly the same as the cut and shape of the as-built opening.   

[ToanDN]

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@barthbradley wrote:

You wouldn't do a chamfer, Toan, primarily because this is a retrofit to preserve the original design. The opening cut and shape is exactly the same as the cut and shape of the as-built opening.   

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from @Anonymous

"...then they also chamfer so the openings are wider on the inside of the wall."

But i see your point, if the opening are there so the window needs not to have the chamferred cut.  Just a simple infill window.

[barthbradley]

Absolutely a call-out to ADs. The CDs can come from the contractor doing the install. The family itself is nothing more that a thin frame (maybe as a sweep), with glazing (maybe an extrusion). Simple. 

[barthbradley]

I stand corrected, Toan. 

Chamfer it is. Point is that opening represents existing conditions; new construction is built inside this opening. 

p.s. ever heard of Evelyn Wood's Speed Reading Class? Well, I flunked it.