How To Calculate Glass-To-Wall Ratio Using FenestraPro

March 22, 2020

INTRODUCTION

Designers can resolve the glass-to-wall ratio (or maximum allowable glazing) for any model based on the thermal performances for elements of the building envelope. As you set the thermal performances for element types (walls, floors, roofs and glazing), FenestraPro for Revit will use FenestraPro Target to automatically indicate the optimal wall-to-window ratio for this configuration.

Current Glazing vs Maximum Allowable

FenestraPro Target will indicate both the current glazing percentage on the model and the maximum allowed according to the Building Code that you have input. The current glazing percentage may be set in two ways:

  1. Setting a value in Revit’s Energy Settings
  2. Inputting a value for Overall Percentage Glazing in Target
FenestraPro Glass To Wall Ratio

Setting the Glazing Percentage in Energy Settings

FenestraPro Glazing Percentages Glass To Wall Ratio

Setting the Glazing Percentage in FenestraPro Target

As performance values for glazing and walls improve, the Maximum Allowable Glazing percentage will increase.

FenestraPro Maximum Allowable Glazing

FenestraPro Target displays both the current glass-to-wall ratio and the maximum allowed under the Building Code.

If the Maximum Allowable Glazing Percentage is greater than the Current Glazing Percentage on the model, you may adjust the glazing area on the model up to the allowable value or simple use the button to Set to Maximum Percentage Glazing. You may also increase the Overall Percentage value which will apply to the entire model or by adjusting glazing areas on specific Surfaces.

FenestraPro Glass To Wall Ratio Glazing Percentages

Setting Maximum Percentage Glazing for mass models

By selecting specific Facades or Surfaces in the Façade Navigator, User controls will display for adjustment of those areas. To adjust the Glazing Percentage for a selected Surface or multiple Surfaces, choose the Glazing Dimensions icon and input a value. This will be applied to the selected Surfaces only. If other facades or surfaces are unlocked (available for adjustment), they will be adjusted in order to maintain the Overall Glazing value for the model.

 FenestraPro Glass To Wall Ratio

Setting Glazing Percentage for specific surface(s)

If other facades/surfaces are unlocked (available for adjustment), they will be adjusted in order to maintain the Overall Glazing value for the model.

 FenestraPro Glass To Wall Ratio

Remaining unlocked surfaces will also be adjusted to maintain the Overall Percentage

FenestraPro will maintain the Overall Percentage Glazing value that is set in FenestraPro Target. For example, if 40% is set for Overall Glazing on the model, separate adjustments may be made for specific surfaces but the total percentage will be maintained.  If some Surfaces are raised to 60%, other Surfaces may then reduce to maintain the total model percentage.

Surfaces may be locked to maintain their unique settings. If this is the case, these surfaces will not be affected by adjustments to other areas. surfaces are unlocked by default and will therefore be affected by any alteration to other surfaces. The amount of adjustment will depend on the area of each surface since the changes applied are spread out among the remaining surfaces.

 FenestraPro Glass To Wall Ratio

Selected Surfaces are modified to 60% while remaining Surfaces reduce slightly from 40% in order to maintain the total setting for the model (40%). 

If you wish to have multiple ‘windows’ on a surface rather than just one glazed area applied, you may create Edges on the mass using the Mass Editor in Revit. This will create more surfaces which can then be controlled separately. You may also set the default sill height and head height for glazing once a surface or multiple surfaces are selected.

To lock any surface or multiple surfaces, the checkbox may be unticked. The label will then indicate that these surfaces are now locked and will not be affected by any changes to other surfaces.

FenestraPro Window To Wall Ratio

Locking selected surfaces

In the Facade Navigator, a padlock symbol will display beside the locked Surfaces to indicate this status. If Select All is chosen in the Façade Navigator, locked Surfaces may also be included but any changes to settings will not affect these surfaces.

Further adjustment of multiple Surfaces may reach a point where the Overall Percentage for the model can no longer be maintained and this value will then be adjusted in FenestraPro Target.

FenestraPro Window To Wall Ratio

Adjustment of multiple surfaces may eventually affect the Overall Percentage

About FenestraPro

FenestraPro is the leading façade design platform that supports the design and construction of beautiful, high-performing facades. Our integrated platform identifies and applies the optimal geometry, material selection, and fabrication information. The platform seamlessly integrates into BIM design and construction workflows while proven to:

  • eliminate the risk of late-stage redesign;
  • demonstrate local code compliance;
  • use data calculations in real-time;
  • integrate into BIM workflows.

Trusted by global leaders in green building design, FenestraPro enables designers to control overall thermal performances and aesthetic design to deliver sustainable, high-performing facades.

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