New to Chief. How to approach modeling a custom sunroom?

[D_CADK]

Hello, I'm new to Chief Architect and am still learning the ins and outs. I'm looking to eventually model a sunroom that my company has designed and wanted to ask if there are any suggestions as to how to start. I've attached an image of the sunroom which is constructed with custom aluminum and glass panels. 

 

Would it be best to create a custom wall type? Perhaps just a glass wall with aluminum framing around it and posts every 3.5' to represent the panels.

Or would it be better to represent the panels as custom windows? Each could be the size of a full panel and be put along a default wall.

Perhaps there is an easier way altogether?

 

Thank you.

[TeaTime]

Welcome!

 

Searching the main Chief site for "sunroom" you'll find there's an article that gives some pretty good tips for this type of design.

https://www.chiefarchitect.com/search/?default_tab=all&q=sunroom

 

You'll notice too the search results give articles, videos, chief talk threads... it's a great place to start with most any how-to questions.

Also, if you haven't yet, try to get in the habit of pressing F1 -- or the ? icon in the toolbar -- the program's built-in Help is SUPER handy.

[D_CADK]

5 minutes ago, TeaTime said:

Welcome!

 

Searching the main Chief site for "sunroom" you'll find there's an article that gives some pretty good tips for this type of design.

https://www.chiefarchitect.com/search/?default_tab=all&q=sunroom

 

You'll notice too the search results give articles, videos, chief talk threads... it's a great place to start with most any how-to questions.

Also, if you haven't yet, try to get in the habit of pressing F1 -- or the ? icon in the toolbar -- the program's built-in Help is SUPER handy.

The article is perfect, thank you! Seems like there's a lot of features and settings involved that I haven't learned quite yet.

[TeaTime]

6 minutes ago, D_CADK said:

Seems like there's a lot of features and settings involved that I haven't learned quite yet.

 

After nearly a decade using this software, I find that feeling never totally goes away 

[Kbird1]

Hi,  there a few threads on the Forum on doing Store Fronts and those may help with the Walltype used , here is a post of mine from about a year ago for example

https://chieftalk.chiefarchitect.com/topic/31982-store-front/?do=findComment&comment=251724

 

* and it appears in that KB article someone forgot to uncheck "Trim Framing to Soffits" in the Roof DBX as the Rafters are notched.... they even hung some plants off it

 

Mick.

 

[zakkaryvele81]

Starting with a custom sunroom sounds like a fun project. First off, get familiar with the basics. Play around with the tools and see what each one does. When you start modeling, make sure to measure your space accurately. This helps in making the sunroom fit perfectly. Think about how you want the room to look and feel. Do you want a lot of windows for sunlight or maybe some specific materials for a cozy vibe? Don’t forget to consider the structure and how it blends with the rest of your house. Start with a simple layout. Create the walls, add windows and doors, and then tweak the details. Take your time to experiment with different designs and see what works best.

[rlackore]

You can have some success if you're willing to do a bunch of fussy work.

 

 

This project is a greenhouse. I used Pony Walls for the walls; here the upper glass wall uses an Air Gap material to get the alignment between the lower and upper walls correct:

 

 

The greenhouse frame is a combination of different Framing members: studs, rafters, ridge beams, roof blocking, etc. Figuring out which is the best tool to use for a particular member requires some trial and error. Molding Polylines were used for the wall cap. The Roof Planes also use an Air Gap material in the structure definition to achieve the inset panel look:

 

 

I'm sure there are other methods to achieve what you want. Good luck.