Random Timber Batten Façade

[alex_ferreiraZTTA3]

Hello,

I was wondering if anyone has a suggestion on how to model the following-

I have a timber façade with 3 types of timber battens evenly spaced but arranged in a random pattern (see reference image). Normally I would use a curtain wall for modelling a timber batten façade and I've seen people using structural framing systems for this, but I don't think this is possible due to the random pattern of the slats.

Additionally, windows in the project are not evenly spaced. To avoid having to place each batten individually, I've created a generic model family with several batten extrusions arranged randomly and assigned a visibility parameter to each module - i.e. 1000mm module show all battens up to that width, 1400mm module show additional battens up to that width, etc. (modules are not multiples, so an array wouldn't work). The problem with this method is that if for some reason I need to alter an opening, I need to edit the family and reposition the battens to the new module size.

I was wondering if there is a more efficient way to model this that would maybe be width dependant that I'm missing?

I don't think there is a way of working around having to model each module individually, but just checking! 

Thank you for helping!

[constantin.stroescu · Accepted solution]

A solution could be to use  Wall Reveal > Placement Vertical ( create a custom Profile for the Reveal with the desired parameters  of the groove between battens).

In order to control the Battens types and width , you can use Global Parameters.

[alex_ferreiraZTTA3]

Vertical Wall Reveals are indeed a good shout!

Assume they would still need to be individually placed along the wall length with each reveal individually spaced with the batten width? Either way this feels a better solution and easier to adjust in case things need to move instead having to edit modules/families.

[ToanDN · Accepted solution]

Use a material with a random vertical lines surface pattern and a matching batten texture.

[barthbradley · Accepted solution]

Create Parts. Divide Parts. 

https://help.autodesk.com/view/RVT/2023/ENU/?guid=GUID-924CBB1E-71D9-47A4-9463-89CCB680C633

[alex_ferreiraZTTA3]

@ToanDN thank you for your suggestion - I did think about using a material with random lines, which would work fine for 2D presentation, but I'm also taking some visuals from the model.

@barthbradley really good idea, but again a bit of an issue with the visuals as the gaps are not shown in 3D.

All three are great ideas, ultimately the reveals work best for visualisation, materials for 2D presentation without adding model complexity and parts are more reflective of the "real world".  I think it really depends what you are looking for, thank you for your assistance!

[ToanDN]

PBR materials work great for realistic views and rendering.

[barthbradley]

If you want a gap between the parts resulting from this division, enter a positive value for the Divider gap parameter on the Properties palette, under Constraints. You can also use the parameters under Dimensions to apply a profile to the part edges along the gap and configure it as needed.

https://help.autodesk.com/view/RVT/2023/ENU/?guid=GUID-924CBB1E-71D9-47A4-9463-89CCB680C633