What Facade Configurator does

A 3D parametric facade for a 6-storey office with a single-curved front. Tune four numbers (structural grid, panel module, slab-to-slab, curve radius) and watch the rationalization strategy mix, the buildability checks, and the BIM-export estimates update live.

Inputs:

Grid · Module · S2S · Radius

Checks:

10 buildability tests

Strategies:

Flat · Cold-bent · CNC

How it works

A worked demonstration of facade rationalisation on one defined building. Four inputs drive the geometry, and the panel mix, buildability warnings and export estimates all fall out of it \u2014 so you can watch how a curve radius turns flat panels into cold-bent ones and what that costs.

• Panel grid generated from the structural grid, panel module and slab-to-slab you set.
• Each panel classified by how it can be made \u2014 flat, single-curved, or requiring bending \u2014 from its own measured geometry.
• Buildability checks run against the panel set as it changes, so a warning names the panels that caused it.
• Everything recalculates live in the browser; no server round trip, no credits.

How to use it

1. Pick a structural grid. 6.0 / 7.2 / 8.1 m — the bay spacing the columns will land on.
2. Set the facade module. Drag the panel width. The tool flags when it doesn't divide the bay evenly.
3. Choose slab-to-slab. 3.0 / 3.6 / 4.0 m floor-to-floor. Affects vision-glass clear height.
4. Move the curve radius. Wide R → cold-bent (cheap); tight R → CNC (expensive). The viewer recolours panels accordingly.
5. Read the checks. 10 cards on the right. Green = clean; amber = marginal; red = needs a rethink.
6. Ask Architool. Use the chat to compare strategies, ask about cold-bend specs, or get cost-saving suggestions.

Best used for

• Understanding the relationship between curve radius and panel buildability.
• Showing a client or a student why a smooth curve costs what it costs.
• Sanity-checking a grid and module combination before drawing it properly.

Not a substitute for

• Your own project geometry \u2014 this models one defined building, not an arbitrary facade.
• Fabrication or procurement decisions.
• Structural or weathertightness verification.

Known limits

• Fixed building type: a 6-storey office with a single-curved front. It is a demonstrator, not a general facade tool.
• Only four parameters are exposed; everything else about the building is held constant.
• Export estimates are indicative counts and areas, not a schedule you can price.
• No structural, thermal or movement analysis is performed on the panels.

Read the full Facade Configurator guide →