Transparent Building Envelope

[447Debbie]

Is there a way in Home Designer Pro 2021 to create a transparent building envelope, 30' tall, that follows the natural terrain?  (Terrain is already incorporated in the plan.)  I found this picture on the Chief Architect forum to explain what it is I am looking to do.  

http://www.chieftalk.com/attachment.php?s=87ff97eb92008d9e973157540c0cd5e3&attachmentid=49405&d=1314768160

[rangerrick]

Debbie, In this attempt, In plan view, I drew a polyline representing the setbacks for the building envelope.

I selected the polyline and converted it to an architectural slab, adjusted thickness and elevation 

and assigned a transparent glass from the default concrete. I don't know of a way to have the top

surface of the envelope follow the terrain as in the example you posted.

[447Debbie]

Perhaps that doesn't exist in Home Designer Pro.  Oh well.  I'll have to do it the old fashioned way.

[Robborito]

On 2/14/2023 at 7:42 AM, 447Debbie said:

Perhaps that doesn't exist in Home Designer Pro.

Well it is entirely up to the individual....I have tried this before on simple envelope profiles set by local authorities;

I use the 'Driveway Area', tool which hugs the terrain when it is placed;

Elevate this via the specification to 6.000M (20') in respect of what you need for the build envelope;

Terrain To Top - becomes the height for the envelope you need;

Make it to be glass or other transparent material you so desire;

Heres one I made earlier.

Bingo.

PS - It will cut out or clip the build area but it's a compromise as the height plane can be elevated..

Unless you unselect 'Hide terrain intersected by building' in the terrain spec.

Plus -if you specify the thickness same as the height - it will show as a box to contour.

 

[scottharris]

Jeff had a great idea.  Here's a similar variation.

[447Debbie]

On 2/16/2023 at 3:09 AM, Robborito said:

Well it is entirely up to the individual....I have tried this before on simple envelope profiles set by local authorities;

I use the 'Driveway Area', tool which hugs the terrain when it is placed;

Elevate this via the specification to 6.000M (20') in respect of what you need for the build envelope;

Terrain To Top - becomes the height for the envelope you need;

Make it to be glass or other transparent material you so desire;

Heres one I made earlier.

Bingo.

PS - It will cut out or clip the build area but it's a compromise as the height plane can be elevated..

Unless you unselect 'Hide terrain intersected by building' in the terrain spec.

Plus -if you specify the thickness same as the height - it will show as a box to contour.

 

Perfect.  Thanks.