Families: Windows and doors
For the new, improved window and door families, we have analyzed the essential functions and information expected from an architectural family and integrated them. This approach allows for much more flexible handling, significantly expanding the range of use and customization options compared to previous versions. Most importantly, it enables us to use the same family consistently across all project phases and for all MMI use cases, continuously increasing the information density as the project progresses without the cumbersome need to repeatedly edit the families.
To achieve this, we had to slightly increase the complexity of the families. But don't worry, we've created this guide to help you master these new features.
Key Concepts
We have tried to use as many common parameters as possible between windows and doors. Only in a few cases was it necessary to create specific parameters exclusively for windows or doors, and these are named clearly and consistently. We have also ensured that all parameters are SharedParameters, which means they can be displayed in schedules and tagged in plan views from the start.
To make things easier, we have compiled an overview of all parameters. This list is grouped according to the Revit structure and distinguishes between Type and Instance properties. It also specifies whether parameters receive their values in the family or in the project, and provides information on the parameter type (Length, Text, Yes/No, etc.) with a corresponding example of what the parameter value might look like. This overview will ensure you are prepared and on the safe side.
The parameters can be broadly categorized into:
Parameters with visual expression Those that describe the form, appearance, and function of the windows/doors.
Parameters without visible expression Those that describe functional properties and add further information.
Parameters with visual expression: Form and Appearance (3D)
Using screenshots, we will describe the parameters that define the appearance of the windows and doors in various views. Some of these values must be set in the family, while others should be entered in the project for increased flexibility. We have grouped them accordingly.
In the screenshots, Type-based parameters are highlighted in green, and Instance-based parameters are highlighted in yellow.
Family > Ref. Level View (to adjust parameters regarding the depth of the window/door)
Dimensions
ALAB_BIM_Veggtykkelse This parameter does not need to be filled. It automatically determines the thickness of the wall in which the window/door is placed.
ALAB_BIM_Innsetting /
ALAB_BIM_Innsetoffset These parameters control how deep the window/door profile is embedded in the wall (≥1000 mm) or how far it extends from the wall (<1000 mm).
ALAB_BIM_Profildybde_Karm This parameter allows you to set the depth of the window/door frame profile.
ALAB_BIM_Hjørnevindu_Bredde_Side_1 / ALAB_BIM_Hjørnevindu_Bredde_Side_2 / ALAB_BIM_Hjørnevindu_Offset_Opening_Cut_Wall_Innvendig / ALAB_BIM_Hjørnevindu_Offset_Opening_Cut_Wall_Utvendig / ALAB_BIM_Hjørnevindu_Vinkel (corner windows only) If available, these parameters control the angle and the width of both sides of a corner window. Heads up: In this specific set-up, the parameter Width is replacec / driven by the parameter ALAB_BIM_Hjørnevidu_Bredde_Side_1!
Family > Exterior View (to adjust parameters regarding the width/height of the window/door)
Materials and Finishes
ALAB_BIM_Sparkeplate (doors only) This parameter controls whether your door has a kick plate.
Dimensions
Width / Height These built-in Revit parameters describe the total width and height of the window/door element. If you are using a combined window-door family, these two parameters describe the overall module size, spanning across all possible individual panels.
ALAB_BIM_Spalte_Bunn /
ALAB_BIM_Spalte_Side /
ALAB_BIM_Spalte_Topp These parameters describe the necessary gap around the window/door. You can pre-define this in the family, but it can be fine-tuned in the project depending on the installation location (masonry wall, concrete wall, stud wall, etc.).
Rough Width / Rough Height These built-in Revit parameters automatically calculate the rough opening size for the entire module, using the values from the Width and Height parameters and the specified gaps (Bunn / Side / Topp). These are the dimensions needed by RIB to create the correct openings. The calculation is automatic, so these parameters do not need to be filled manually.
ALAB_BIM_Bredde_Dørfelt_1_Yttermål (doors only) / ALAB_BIM_Bredde_Fastfelt_1_Yttermål / ALAB_BIM_Bredde_Fastfelt_2_Yttermål / ALAB_BIM_Bredde_Vindusfelt_1_Yttermål / ALAB_BIM_Bredde_Vindusfelt_2_Yttermål If available, these parameters control the widths of a multi-panel window/door.
ALAB_BIM_Høyde_Brystningsfelt_Yttermål / ALAB_BIM_Høyde_Dørfelt_1_Yttermål (doors only) / ALAB_BIM_Høyde_Toppfelt_Yttermål If available, these parameters control the heights of a multi-panel window/door.
ALAB_BIM_Profilbredde_Karm This parameter allows you to set the width of the karm.
ALAB_BIM_Profilbredde_Losholt /
ALAB_BIM_Profilbredde_Post If available, these parameters control the width of the horizontal / vertical mullion.
ALAB_BIM_Profilbredde_Ramme_Vindu (windows only) This parameter lets you set the width of the ramme of your window.
ALAB_BIM_Profilbredde_Ramme_Dørblad_Side+Topp / ALAB_BIM_Profilbredde_Ramme_Dørblad_Bunn (doors only) These parameters let you adjust the width of the ramme of your door.
ALAB_BIM_Profilbredde_Ramme_Dørblad_Delt_Profil_Foldedør (folding doors only) This parameter lets you adjust the width of the ramme of your door at the folding joint.
ALAB_BIM_Sparkeplate_Høyde (doors only) This parameter lets you set the height of the kick plate (if you have pre-selected the according parameter).
Family > no View / in Parameter Window
Materials and Finishes
ALAB_BIM_Material_Profilsystem (windows only) / ALAB_BIM_Material_Karm (doors only) / ALAB_BIM_Material_Dørblad (doors only) Use these parameters to set the materials for the windows/doors.
Parameters with visual expression: Function (2D)
To provide maximum flexibility for windows and doors, we have decided to separate their appearance from their function. This means you first configure the graphical representation of your window/door (the 3D object), and then you can define its function (inward swing, outward swing, tilt-and-turn, fixed glazing, etc.) via a check box. This is done using the following parameters that control a nested family containing all common window / door swings:
Construction
ALAB_BIM_Hengsler_Vindu_1 /
ALAB_BIM_Hengsler_Vindu_2 (windows only) You'll need to manually type in the selected window swing type(s) here.
ALAB_BIM_Hengsler_Dør_1 /
ALAB_BIM_Hengsler_Dør_2 (doors only) You'll need to manually type in the selected door swing type(s) here.
ALAB_BIM_Vindu_1_Type_Innadslående_Bunn+Sidehengslet / ALAB_BIM_Vindu_1_Type_Innadslående_Bunnhengslet / ALAB_BIM_Vindu_1_Type_Innadslående_Sidehengslet / ALAB_BIM_Vindu_1_Type_Skyvevindu / ALAB_BIM_Vindu_1_Type_Utadslående_Sidehengslet / ALAB_BIM_Vindu_1_Type_Utadslående_Sidesving / ALAB_BIM_Vindu_1_Type_Utadslående_Topphengslet / ALAB_BIM_Vindu_1_Type_Utadslående_Toppsving / ALAB_BIM_Vindu_2_Type_Innadslående_Bunn+Sidehengslet / ALAB_BIM_Vindu_2_Type_Innadslående_Bunnhengslet / ALAB_BIM_Vindu_2_Type_Innadslående_Sidehengslet / ALAB_BIM_Vindu_2_Type_Skyvevindu /
ALAB_BIM_Vindu_2_Type_Utadslående_Sidehengslet / ALAB_BIM_Vindu_2_Type_Utadslående_Sidesving / ALAB_BIM_Vindu_2_Type_Utadslående_Topphengslet / ALAB_BIM_Vindu_2_Type_Utadslående_Toppsving (windows only) Select your preferred window swing type(s) from one of these checkboxes. The graphical information for the plan and elevation views will then be automatically added, based on your window's size.
ALAB_BIM_Dørblad_1_Type_Innadslående_Sidehengslet / ALAB_BIM_Dørblad_1_Type_Utadslående_Sidehengslet / ALAB_BIM_Dørblad_1_Type_Skyvedør / ALAB_BIM_Dørblad_2_Type_Innadslående_Sidehengslet / ALAB_BIM_Dørblad_2_Type_Utadslående_Sidehengslet / ALAB_BIM_Dørblad_2_Type_Skyvedør / ALAB_BIM_Dørelement_1_Type_Innadslående_Foldedør / ALAB_BIM_Dørelement_1_Type_Utadslående_Foldedør (doors only) Select your preferred door swing type from(s) one of these checkboxes. The graphical information for the plan and elevation views will then be automatically added, based on your doors's size.
These parameters only control the 2D information (symbolism, line types), defining how the function is represented in the elevation view (window/door scheme) and in the floor plan.
This approach allows you to assign all conceivable functions to the same family without the tedious task of editing the family.
Parameters without visible expression: Properties and Functions
The proportion of invisible parameters is much higher, but they are also easier to manage. These parameters simply add additional information to your windows/doors without changing their appearance. They are essentially parameters that provide supplementary information and, if applicable, reflect client requirements or MMI specifications.
As mentioned at the beginning, please check your project's BIM requirements and the parameter overview to determine which parameter values you need to provide and at what time!
Family Parameters
Dimensions
ALAB_BIM_Modulmål_Bredde / ALAB_BIM_Modulmål_Høyde / ALAB_BIM_Tilsvarer_Modulmål These parameters generate the rounded and abbreviated notation for the Width / Height of your windows/doors. For example, a window of 990×2190 becomes 10×22. They also check whether these values have been manually (and incorrectly) overwritten. In this case, the ALAB_BIM_Tilsvarer_Modulmål parameter will show "NEI"; otherwise, it will show "JA".
ALAB_BIM_Lysåpning (doors only) This specifies the clear opening width of your door.
ALAB_BIM_Krav_Min_Fri_Bredde (doors only) This specifies the minimal clear opening width for emergency exit doors (if applicable).
Analysis Results
ALAB_BIM_Glassareal This automatically calculates the total glass area.
General
ALAB_BIM_Eksplosjonssikring_Klasse / ALAB_BIM_Innbruddsikring_RC-klasse / ALAB_BIM_Skuddsikring_Klasse With these parameters, you can add further security ratings to your windows/doors if required.
Other
ALAB_BIM_OriginalSwing A-lab Tools DoorSwing: determines the original window/door swing direction.
Identity Data
Assembly Code This parameter manages the Bygningsdeltabell classification.
Project Parameters
Construction
ALAB_BIM_Karmtype (doors only) This specifies the type of the karm of your door.
ALAB_BIM_Terskeltype (doors only) This specifies the type of the threshold of your door.
Fire Protection
ALAB_BIM_FireRating This must reflect the FireRating RIBr has decided in your project.
General
ALAB_BIM_AcousticRating This must reflect the AcousticRating RIAku has decided in your project.
Materials and Finishes
ALAB_BIM_Overflate_Dørblad / ALAB_BIM_Overflate_Karm / ALAB_BIM_Overflatebehandling_Innsiden / ALAB_BIM_Overflatebehandling_Utsiden (doors only) Use these parameters to set the material and color for the doors.
ALAB_BIM_Sikkerhetsglass This specifies the location of the security glass of your window/door.
Dimensions
ALAB_BIM_BRH_Brystningshøyde (windows only) This specifies the sill height of your door.
Analysis Results
ALAB_BIM_Glassareal_over_800mm This calculates the glass area that’s above 800mm over floor.
ALAB_BIM_G-Verdi This specifies the G-value of your window/door.
ALAB_BIM_LT-verdi This specifies the LT-value of your window/door.
Other
ALAB_BIM_Adgangskontroll (doors only) This specifies if there’s an access control available for your door.
ALAB_BIM_Barnesikring (windows only) This specifies if there’s an extra child safety available for your window.
ALAB_BIM_Beslag This specifies the fittings of your window/door.
ALAB_BIM_DoorSequence A-lab Tools DoorSwing: window/door sequence number.
ALAB_BIM_DoorSwing A-lab Tools DoorSwing: determines the current window/door swing direction.
ALAB_BIM_Dørautomatikk (doors only) This specifies if there’s an automated door opener available for your door.
ALAB_BIM_Kikkhull (doors only) This specifies if there’s a peephole available for your door.
ALAB_BIM_Klemsikring (doors only) This specifies if there’s a clamp protection available for your door.
ALAB_BIM_LockedMark A-lab Tools DoorSwing: prevents the overwriting of existing room assignments.
ALAB_BIM_Maks_Ã…pningskraft (doors only) This specifies the opening resistance of your door.
ALAB_BIM_Overstrømning (doors only) This specifies if there’s an overflow available for your door.
ALAB_BIM_ReverseRoom A-lab Tools DoorSwing: assigns the room to the window/door it is not swinging into.
ALAB_BIM_Romtilhørighet A-lab Tools DoorSwing: assigns the room to the window/door it is swinging into.
ALAB_BIM_Tegningsreferanse This specifies the according schematic sheet of your window/door.
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