Introduction
IFC Builder is a free CYPE app designed for creating and maintaining IFC models of buildings.
Architectural models generated with IFC Builder can be imported by a wide variety of acoustic and energy simulation apps as well as structural and MEP analysis apps linked to BIMserver.center.
Workflows supported by the program
As IFC Builder is an Open BIM tool that is connected to the BIMserver.center platform, it offers different workflow options.
Data entry
Free modelling / with templates
- Defining the architectural elements of the building by freely entering them into IFC Builder.
- Defining the architectural elements of the building in IFC Builder from DXF-DWG, DWF, PDF templates or images (.jpeg, .jpg, .bmp, .wmf).
Automatic entry: importing IFC format models
- Importing the model in IFC format with the geometry of a building. This allows users to generate the floor plan of the building and the geometry of walls and partitions, floor slabs and openings (such as windows and doors).
Data output
- Exporting the building model in IFC format.
- Exporting the information generated with IFC Builder to the BIMserver.center platform. This allows authorised project participants to view and export the building geometry to different programs such as CYPECAD, CYPETHERM EPlus, CYPESOUND, CYPEPLUMBING, CYPELEC Electrical Mechanisms, CYPELEC Distribution, CYPEGAS, CYPEHVAC, CYPEHVAC Radiant Floor, CYPELUX, CYPEFIRE, CYPEFIRE Hydraulic Systems and CYPETEL Wireless, among others.
Work environment
The IFC Builder interface features a work environment that makes building modelling quick and easy, with a system of dockable windows that can be customised to adapt the workspace to the project's needs.
The program interface displays the following:
- A top toolbar, which contains the tools for managing the project characteristics, entering and editing the building's construction elements, entering and grouping the spaces, checking the geometry, and exporting the model to BIMserver.center;
- The modelling area on the right-hand side of the screen, where all elements of the project are entered, edited and displayed floor by floor;
- Several panels on the left-hand side with tools to configure the snaps of the elements in the model, manage the visibility of the layers, hide or show errors and display the 3D view.
Data input and output sequence for building design
The building model can be defined in the program and shared using the following sequence of data input and output:
- Creating a new project (from "File", "New").
- Choosing between creating a blank project (design from scratch) or importing IFC files (optional).
- Inserting "Floors/Groups".
- (Optional) Importing drawing templates.
- (Optional) Defining structural solutions (from "Project", "Construction systems").
- Defining element libraries (from "Project", "Libraries").
- Adjusting the orientation (from "Project", "Orientation").
- (Optional) Adding columns (from "Building elements", "Columns").
- Adding walls and partitions (from "Building elements", "Walls and partitions").
- Adding floor slabs (from "Structural elements", "Floor slabs").
- Adding openings (from "Building elements", "Openings").
- (Optional) Adding nearby buildings and other obstacles (under "Structural elements", "Nearby buildings and other obstacles").
- Adding venues (from "Spaces", "New").
- (Optional) Grouping spaces (via "Venue Groups", "New / Edit" or "Assign").
- Generating results, edges and incidents (from "Results", "Analyse").
- (Optional) Downloading and saving the IFC file to disk (via "Export").
- Linking to BIMserver.center (from "BIMserver.center", "Update").
- Exporting to BIMserver.center (from "BIMserver.center", "Share").
Gallery of examples
Below are some examples of buildings with simple geometries created using the program.
The models in these examples include the following elements, which can be added using the relevant options in the "Structural elements" and "Spaces" groups on the top toolbar:
- Walls and partitions wall (façades, internal partitions, party walls, basement walls, retaining walls);
- Floor slabs (floor slabs, intermediate floor slabs, flat roofs, pitched roofs);
- Openings (doors, windows or glazed openings);
- Column
- And spaces.
In each of the examples, the link allows you to download:
- The file with the .cyp extension saved by the program (you can find out how to unzip these files via this link);
- And the DXF files for the supporting vector templates for each floor.
A block of flats comprising six flats, a shop and a garage
A five-storey apartment block with the following layout:
- 6 flats with a living room, 2 bedrooms, a bathroom and a kitchen
- 1 commercial premises
- Communal areas: entrance hall, stairwells and lift
- Garage, storage rooms and utility room
Two-storey detached house with a garage
A two-storey detached house with the following layout:
- Ground floor: entrance hall, living room, bathroom and kitchen
- First floor: 4 bedrooms and a bathroom
- Basement: garage
- Stairs
Single-storey office building
A single-storey office building with the following layout:
- Office spaces
- Meeting and break rooms
- Toilets
- Technical room
Two-storey office building
A two-storey office building with the following layout:
- Office spaces
- Meeting rooms and offices
- Toilets
- Stairs and lift
A 12-room hotel
A four-storey hotel with the following layout:
- 12 rooms with en-suite bathrooms
- Communal areas: entrance and corridors
- Storage
- Staircase and 2 lifts
Restaurant
A unit situated between party walls, intended for use as a restaurant, with the following layout:
- Dining room
- Kitchen
- Toilets
Industrial building with offices
Industrial building with the following layout:
- Double-height industrial space
- Basement: storage room
- Offices with toilets and a showroom
- Stairs
Defining the general characteristics of the project
The following options can be found in the "Project" group of the main toolbar:
Libraries
Manages the libraries of types defined for the components of the model.
Construction systems
Defines the construction systems for the components of the model. It includes the possibility to download and use products from manufacturer's catalogues.
Orientation
Allows users to enter the orientation of the model by indicating the direction and the north direction. The icon showing the north direction is located in the bottom left corner of the work area. By default, north points to the top of the screen.
Move the building
Moves the entire building as a whole, including all floors, to the specified coordinates.
Import IFC
Launches the "Automatic entry. CAD/BIM model import" assistant. Once completed, it replaces the geometry of the model with the geometry imported from the IFC file.
Point cloud
Imports and manages the visibility of point cloud files.
3D View
Displays a three-dimensional view of the model and allows users to choose between:
- View all floors
- View selected floor only
- Draw the ceiling of the floor (optional)
Library management
In the "Project" section of the main toolbar, you will find the following option:
Libraries
Clicking this button opens a window through which you can access and manage the types defined for the model components.
The types created here will be available when using the "Building elements" or "Spaces" input options in the relevant sections of the main toolbar.
Category tree
On the left is a tree showing the categories of available items. They are as follows:
- Screeds
- Intermediate floor slabs
- Flat roofs
- Tiled roofs
- External walls
- Partitions
- Basement walls
- Defences
- Doors
- Windows
- Openings
- Skylights
- Thermal breaks
- Spaces
The tools at the top of the tree allow you to "Search" for categories using text snippets, "Expand all" in the tree or "Collapse all" in the tree.
When you select each category, the program displays a list on the right showing the types defined within that category.
Managing elements in library lists
The tools at the top of the list allow you to perform the following actions:
 | Add | Add a new item to the list. |
 | Edit | Opens the editing panel for the selected item. |
 | Copy | Duplicates the selected item, adding a copy to the list. |
 | Delete | Removes the selected item from the list. |
 | Move the selected item up one place in the list | Swap the position of the selected item in the list with that of the previous item. |
 | Move the selected item down one place in the list | Swap the position of the selected item in the list with that of the item following it. |
Importing and exporting library elements to files on disk
Further to the right, there are options for saving library item information to files on your hard drive so that you can use them in other projects:
 | Import elements saved to disk into the project | Imports the elements saved on the hard drive into the project, adding them to the list. If an element (with the same reference) already exists in the project, its data will be overwritten. |
 | Update the items used on site | Update the elements defined in the project with the properties of the elements saved to disk under the same reference. |
 | Export the item to a file | Export the selected item to a file so that you can import it later. |
 | Select a file containing initial values for creating a new project | This allows you to select a list of items saved to disk to load into the library when creating a new file. |
Libraries of building components
When adding building element types to the libraries, the program offers the option of creating a simplified definition or using a building solution:
- Simplified definition
This option allows you to create a type with a simplified definition, assigning only a "Reference" and geometric characteristics such as the following, which will be used to define and calculate the volumes and areas of the elements that make up the model:- In floor slabs, floor structures, flat roofs, pitched roofs, external walls, partition walls, basement walls and retaining walls, the “Thickness”, which comprises the entire structural thickness up to the finished surface (which defines the internal volume of the spaces), thus including the thickness of cladding and finishes;
- For doors, windows, openings or thermal breaks, the values for "Width" (optional, if you wish to assign the value rather than entering it when drawing the element on the model) and/or "Height".
- For some fields, additional information is required to complete the form, as in the following cases:
- In floor slabs, the "Cantilever" option allows you to specify that the element separates an interior space at the top from the exterior environment at the bottom.
- In the case of building envelopes, the "Partition wall" option allows you to specify that the element is situated between a building compartment and the space belonging to other buildings.
- Construction system
This option allows you to create a type with a detailed construction definition for the element. To do this, the program accesses the list of construction solutions for the relevant element category, allowing you to enter, edit and select them on the fly. It is also possible to enter and/or edit construction solutions in advance using the "Construction systems" option in the "Project" group.
A detailed geometric definition is not required for the analyses carried out by some apps; therefore, a geometric model consisting of simplified elements may be sufficient for this purpose.
As an alternative to creating and defining structural solutions in IFC Builder, it is possible to carry out detailed structural modelling in software such as CYPE Construction Systems, which is integrated into the Open BIM workflow, or to perform the structural modelling directly within the target software, such as CYPETHERM.
Space libraries
As for defining the types of spaces, in addition to entering their "Reference", the "External" option allows you to specify that the space entered is an outdoor area, such as a balcony or a terrace.
Construction systems management
In the "Project" section of the main toolbar, you will find the following option:
Construction systems
Clicking this button opens a window in which you can define the design systems for the components of the geometric model.
The building systems created here will be available when creating or editing building element types, either via the "Libraries" option in the "Project" panel or when selecting the type whilst inserting "Building elements" using the options in the relevant panel of the main toolbar.
The characteristics of construction systems and their links to model components can be shared within a project on the BIMserver.center platform. Thermal and acoustic simulation tools can read this information and incorporate it into their calculation models.
Category tree
On the left is a tree showing the categories of available items. They are as follows:
- Walls and partitions (Façades, Curtain walls, Party walls, Basement walls, Partition walls, Retaining walls)
- Structural slabs (Roofs, External slabs, Floor slabs, Suspended ceilings, Floor screeds)
- Openings (External doors, Internal doors, External windows, Internal windows, External skylights, Internal skylights)
- Stairs and ramps (External stairs, Internal stairs, External ramps, Internal ramps)
- Thermal breaks
The tools at the top of the tree allow you to "Search" for categories using text snippets, "Expand all" in the tree or "Collapse all" in the tree.
When you select each category, the program displays a list on the right showing the structural systems defined within that category. Further to the right, where applicable, a viewer displays a detailed cross-section of the structural solution selected from the list, along with a descriptive box containing information on the layers and the values of the solution’s key characteristics.
Management of manufacturers' catalogues
The "Catalogues" button in the top-left corner allows you to import information from manufacturers’ catalogues via the connection to the Open BIM Database for the following types of elements, making it easier to enter data into the program for project development:
- Materials (Solid)
- Materials (Vapour barrier)
- Construction systems
- Windows
- Glazing
- Fittings
Clicking on any of these options opens a window displaying the manufacturer's catalogues available for those items.
Using the "Applied filters" option, you can apply filters by item "Category", "Language" and "Country" to display only those manufacturers that offer product catalogues with these characteristics.
Download catalogues
The following options are displayed for each manufacturer:
- Download
Download the catalogue for the selected manufacturer. The products in the catalogue will be available in the project. - Update
Updates the catalogue for the selected manufacturer to the latest version, deleting the version previously downloaded to the project. - Delete
Deletes the catalogue for the selected manufacturer. The products in the catalogue will no longer be available in the project.
Other catalogues
This option allows you to download and update other available manufacturer catalogues.
Connection to the Open BIM Database
At the bottom of the dialogue box, the program allows you to log in using an Open BIM Database account and password.
Import and direct download of products from catalogues
Products from catalogues can be imported using the "Catalogues" button, which is available both on the top toolbar of the construction solution lists and in the editing panel for each construction solution. For material, glazing or joinery catalogues, this button appears in the relevant editing sections.
You can also download and update catalogue products for each type of element directly from each of these editing panels, using the option marked with the Open BIM Database symbol, which is available on all of them.
Unit settings
The "Units" button in the top-left corner allows you to configure the units, the label and the number of decimal places for each of the following quantities:
- Basic dimensions (Length, Thickness)
- General properties (Density)
- Thermal properties (Thermal resistance, Thermal conductivity, Specific heat, Linear transmittance, Thermal transmittance, Heat capacity)
If you use the "Import one of the predefined unit systems" option, available on the right-hand side of the panel, you can import one of the following:
- International System
Allows you to import units from the International System. - I-P System
Allows you to import units from the I-P (Inch-Pound) system or the imperial system.
General information and features
When creating a structural solution in the relevant list, the program allows you to enter the following data and general characteristics:
- Reference
- Description
- Design features
- Height (at the railings)
- Width, Height (in "Openings" such as doors, windows and skylights)
- Colour
- Insulation thickness, Height (floor slab thickness), L-value, ψ (under "Thermal breaks")
General technical specifications
The "Technical data" button opens a dedicated window for configuring the general technical data associated with the structural solution, organised into the following tabs:
- "Thermal insulation" tab
- Simplified thermal characterisation of the element (optional)
- Thermal transmittance
- Thermal capacity
- Absorptance (optional) (for exposed elements)
- Absorption coefficient
- Soil thermal conductivity (optional) (for elements in contact with the ground)
- Thermal conductivity of the ground
- With perimeter insulation (optional) (in "Slabs-on-ground")
- Type of insulation (Vertical / Horizontal)
- Thermal resistance
- Thickness
- Width or depth
- Localised thermal bridges (per m²)
- Linear thermal bridges
- Additional details (Reference, Value, Unit)
- Simplified thermal characterisation of the element (optional)
- "Soundproofing" tab
- Acoustic performance of the element (optional)
- Acoustic test report number
- Rw
- C
- Ctr
- Include only the inner layer of the façade in the acoustic calculation of lateral transmission (optional)
- Rw, used in edge-transition transmission
- Additional details (Reference, Value, Unit)
- Acoustic performance of the element (optional)
- "Fire resistance" tab
- Fire resistance time (optional)
- EI
- Additional data (Reference, Value, Unit)
- Fire resistance time (optional)
- "Other technical data" tab
- Technical data
- Reference, Value, Unit
- Technical data
Definition of material layers
In the "Layers" section, the program provides a table where you can add, edit, copy, delete or reorder the material layers that make up the structural solution:
- Layer
When adding a layer of material, you must specify the following parameters:- Reference
- Technical properties
- Type of layer
You must select whether the layer is solid, an air cavity or a vapour barrier.- Solid
- Thickness
- Density (optional)
- Elastic seal(optional)
- Sound absorption coefficients (optional)
- 500 Hz
- 1000 Hz
- 2000 Hz
- Thermal parameters (optional)
- Thermal conductivity / Thermal resistance
- Specific heat
- Water vapour diffusion resistance factor
- Colour / Weave / Aspect of the material
Allows you to adjust the visual representation of the layer’s material.
- Air space
- Thickness
- Sound absorption coefficients (optional)
- 500 Hz
- 1000 Hz
- 2000 Hz
- Thermal parameters (optional)
- Thermal resistance
- Vapour barrier
- Sound absorption coefficients (optional)
- 500 Hz
- 1000 Hz
- 2000 Hz
- Equivalent air thickness
- Sound absorption coefficients (optional)
- Solid
- Data import
There are several ways to automatically import material data:- Importing data from the Open BIM Database Materials available in the
"Open BIM Database" can be imported, and catalogues from manufacturers that provide material data can be downloaded and updated, using the buttons to the right of the "Reference" and "Technical properties" fields:- Import materials from Open BIM Database catalogues
- Downloading and updating manufacturer catalogues from the Open BIM Database
- Importing data from other catalogues and standards
The options in the right-hand column of the "Layer" window allow you to automatically import material data based on information provided by various catalogues and standards:- Materials from the HULC library
- Materials from the LIDER library
- Materials from the CALENER VYP library
- Materials described in the RT2012 standard
- Materials from the BINAYATE Library
- Materials described in the UNI 10351 standard
- Materials from the LNEC library
- Inflatable tyres as described in the UNE-EN ISO 6946 standard
- Materials described in the UNE-EN ISO 10456 standard
- Materials described in standard NF EN ISO 10456
- Materials described in standard ISO 10456
- Materials described in standard EN ISO 10456
- Representative materials (2013 ASHRAE Handbook – Fundamentals)
- Importing data from the Open BIM Database Materials available in the
Specific options for glazed openings
Glazed openings, such as windows and skylights, offer the following options for defining their technical properties:
- "Glazing" tab
- Generic
- Reference
- Thermal transmittance
- Sun protection factor
- Manufacturer
- Catalogue / Reference
- Generic
- "Fittings" tab
- The opaque portion of the opening
- Generic
- Reference
- Thermal transmittance
- Absorption coefficient
- Manufacturer
- Catalogue / Joinery
In the manufacturer’s joinery selection window, which appears when you click the "Import data" button on the right, you can select the manufacturer and product code, as well as the window finish, if the catalogue includes a range of finishes. - List of nodes
This list shows the nodes that make up the selected joinery and their "Area". Each node has an associated thermal transmittance and thickness, which can be viewed by selecting the joinery in the catalogue.- "Analysis" option:
This tool, which appears at the top of the list, allows you to automatically calculate the area of the joints that make up a window or door unit based on the "Number of leaves" it comprises. This makes it easy to obtain the thermal transmittance of the unit, optimising its integration into the building’s energy model. This feature is available exclusively for manufacturer-supplied joinery, for both internal and external windows.
- "Analysis" option:
- Finish
Allows you to specify the finish of the window frames.- General
By selecting this option, you can manually set the “Absorption coefficient” value for the joinery, customising the material properties.- Absorption coefficient
- Manufacturer
This option allows you to select available finishes directly from a manufacturer’s catalogue. The absorption coefficient value will be calculated automatically based on the reference for the selected finish, which simplifies the specification process and ensures that the values are accurate and consistent with actual commercial products.- Reference
- General
- Catalogue / Joinery
- "Fittings" tab
- Reference
Construction solution viewer
The viewer on the right-hand side of the construction solution editing window displays a detailed cross-section showing the numbering and graphical representation of the defined material layers.
The tools at the top allow you to adjust the drawing, as well as print or save the current view.
Managing elements in lists
The tools at the top of the construction systems list and the materials layers list allow you to perform the following actions:
| Add | Add a new element to the list. |
| Edit | Opens the editing panel for the selected element. |
| Copy | Duplicates the selected element, adding a copy to the list. |
| Delete | Removes the selected element from the list. |
| Move the selected item up one place in the list | Swap the position of the selected item in the element with that of the previous item. |
| Move the selected item down one place in the list | Swap the position of the selected element in the list with that of the element following it. |
Importing and exporting construction systems and materials to files on disk
At the top of the list of construction systems or the list of material layers, there are options to save the details of the complete construction systems or the material of the selected layer to files on your hard drive for use in other projects:
| Import elements saved to disk into the project | Imports the elements saved on the hard drive into the project, adding them to the list. If an element (with the same reference) already exists in the project, its data will be overwritten. |
| Export the item to a file | Export the selected element to a file so that you can import it later. |
These options are also available on the right-hand side of the construction system or material layer editing window.
Importing the model from IFC files
When creating a new job in IFC Builder, or by using the "Import IFC" option in the "Project" group of the main toolbar, users can import a model in IFC format generated by CAD/BIM programs, such as Allplan®, Archicad®, and Revit®. This allows IFC Builder to access data from programs that have BIM (Building Information Modeling) technology and automatically incorporate the building's construction elements.
When using this option, the program launches the “Automatic entry. CAD/BIM model import" assistant, which presents the following data definition sequence:
File selection
Allows an IFC file to be selected from its location on disk.
Selection of the building to import
If the IFC file includes information on several buildings, the program requires users to select the building to be imported.
The IFC class interpreted in this step is the following:
- IfcBuilding
Floor slabs
Allows users to view the reference and thickness of the slabs defined in the IFC file, to select the slabs to be imported, and to create and assign their typologies in IFC Builder.
The IFC class interpreted in this step is the following:
- IfcSlab
Walls and partitions
Allows users to view the reference and thickness of the walls and partitions defined in the IFC file, to select the walls and partitions to be imported, and to create and assign their typologies in IFC Builder.
The IFC classes interpreted in this step are the following:
- IfcWall
- IfcWallStandardCase
Openings
Allows users to view the reference of the openings defined in the IFC file, to select the openings to be imported, and to create and assign their typologies in IFC Builder.
The IFC classes interpreted in this step are the following:
- IfcDoor
- IfcWindow
- IfcOpeningElement
Import configuration
Allows users to activate the following import configuration options:
- Import the walls on each floor on which they are present (optional)
- Create new floors for roofs that overlap floor slabs on the same floor (optional)
- Import the doors and windows that are not linked to architectural elements (optional)
- Generate drawing templates (optional)
The reading of IFC files and the import of their data through this assistant is unidirectional, and an update of the data cannot be performed if the information in the IFC file changes. However, in this case, a new IFC import could be carried out.
Reading point clouds
IFC Builder can read a representation both in 3D and on plan from point cloud files (*.pts; *.ptx; *.txt; *.xyz), which can be used as a support to model reality quickly and accurately from a BIM environment.
A point cloud is the result of one or more 3D laser scans consisting of a set of vertices in a three-dimensional coordinate system, usually defined by "x", "y" and "z" coordinates, and sometimes incorporating additional data such as colour using RGB values.
The "Point cloud" menu in the main toolbar of the program's general interface contains the following options:
- Files
- Visibility
Files
Allows users to select PTS, PTX, TXT or XYZ point cloud files at their location on disk and load them into the program, defining the following information:
- File name
- Show in monochrome (optional)
The loaded point cloud files are displayed in a table with the following parameters:
- Visible
- File name
- Number of points
As added tools, the point cloud can be moved and rotated.
Visibility
Manages the visibility of the points in the point cloud files on the different floors of the building. The following information is shown in the table:
- Floor
- Height
- Points to display (All points / Centre fringe / Height range)
- Elevations (only for "Height range")
If each floor is edited, the "Points to display" are selected. These points can be:
- All points located between the ground and ceiling of the floor
- The points located along the centre fringe of the previous interval
- The points located along a range of heights with respect to the ground of the floor
- Initial height
- Final height
In this way, the visible points of the point cloud can be used as a visual reference when entering the elements of the model floor by floor.
The 3DCONS project aims to bring 3D printing technologies to the construction industry, both in the field of new construction and in the renovation and restoration of cultural heritage, using point cloud technologies for the reading of existing buildings.
Defining floors and groups
The following options can be found in the "Floors/Groups" group in the main toolbar:
Floors/Groups
Allows users to define the floors and groups of the building.
A table with the following information appears on the left side of the "Floors/Groups" window:
- Group
Reference of each group of floors. - Height
Height of the floors belonging to each group. - Edit
Allows the characteristics of each group of floors to be edited:- Number of floors in the group (except ground floor and roof floor)
- Height of each floor
- Reference for each floor
- Elevation above ground floor level (ground floor only)
This option allows users to specify an elevation above the ground level with respect to the base plane of the ground. This allows a semi-buried basement to be defined.
- Insert
Allows a group of floors above or below ground level to be inserted in the position immediately above. - Delete
Deletes the group of floors.
By default, the program always presents a ground floor and a roof floor.
The following tools can be found at the top:
- Floor group above ground level / Floor group below ground level
Allows a floor group to be entered above or below ground level by specifying the following parameters:- Number of floors in the group
It can be a group of one floor or a group of several floors greater than 1 if users want to define a set of several floors that are exactly the same. - Height of each floor
Corresponding to the distance between the top face of the floor slab entered on each floor and the top face of the floor slab on the floor above it. - Reference for each floor
- Number of floors in the group
- Move the building up a floor / Move the building down a floor
These options allow the building to be raised or lowered one storey by changing the position of the base plane of the ground.
On the right-hand side, there is a schematic display of the floors of the building, the ground plan and the reference and height of each floor relating to it.
Copy to another group
Allows the elements of another floor group to be copied over the current group, i.e. the one the user is currently in. If data already exists in the group to be copied, this data will be lost.
This option is very useful when the elements of one group are almost the same or very similar to those of another group. Once the copy has been made, the appropriate modifications can be made.
The option opens the "Copy group" window, in which the following aspects are configured:
- Select the group to copy
- Activate or deactivate the types of elements to be copied:
- Walls and partitions
- Screeds
- Floor slabs
- Roofs
- Skylights
- Openings in floor slabs
- Columns
- Spaces
Up a group/Change group/Down a group
These tools allow users to modify the group of floors visible in the working area.
The options "Up a group" and "Down a group" allow users to display the group of floors immediately above or below the one visible on the screen, while from "Change group" they can directly select the group of floors they want to display.
The floor group reference visible on the screen is displayed in the lower right corner of the program's general interface.
Inserting building elements
The "Building elements" section of the main toolbar contains the following options:
- Walls and partitions
- Floor slabs
- Openings
- Close elevation change
- Columns
- Thermal breaks
These options allow you to enter the building’s construction and structural elements, depending on what is required for subsequent analysis.
Modelling is carried out floor by floor in a 2D workspace, using 3D elements. A 3D view of the building can be displayed at any time, allowing you to monitor the modelling process.
The building can be modelled in IFC Builder from scratch, with or without the aid of templates or drawings in DXF, DWG, JPEG or BMP format. Using these templates speeds up the manual data entry process.
Creating and managing property types
When you insert an instance of a building element using any of the options mentioned, the program opens a window where you can select the type from a drop-down menu from those previously created using the "Libraries" option in the "Project" panel.
To the right of the drop-down menu, the following options are available for creating and editing library types and for accessing the library of elements in the relevant category directly:
| New | Create a new type. |
| Edit the selected type | Edit the type selected from the drop-down menu. |
 | Edit the list of elements | This opens the list of types corresponding to the category of the element being entered. From this list, you can also create, edit, delete or reorder types, as well as import and export types to files on the hard drive, in the same way as you would using the "Libraries" option in the "Project" group for the selected element's category. |
Walls and partitions
The "Walls and partitions" menu allows you to add and edit vertical geometric elements in the model, such as facades, party walls, internal partitions, basement walls, parapets and virtual partitions.
The following types of walls and partitions are available:
- External wall
A vertical partition separating a room within a building from the outside environment or, in the case of a party wall, separating a room within a building from the space belonging to other buildings. - Partitions
wall A vertical partition separating two interior spaces within a building. - Basement wall
A vertical partition between a part of a building and the ground. - Defences
Allows you to model railings, balustrades, perimeter parapets and other guardrails. - Virtual partition
A vertical element with no thickness used to demarcate spaces. It can be placed between two spaces in the model that are not separated by a physical barrier in the actual building (for example, between an open-plan kitchen and the living room).
The tools for editing walls and partitions are as follows:
- Edit
Allows you to edit the wall type to modify its properties or change the type assigned to the selected element. - Move
Allows you to reposition walls and partitions by moving them parallel to their current position or by moving one of their ends. - Adjust
Allows you to adjust the position of the selected wall or partition relative to the reference line, either by aligning it along one of its faces or along its centreline. - Invert
Inverts the direction in which the partitions are inserted. - Join
two walls. - Divide
Splits a wall in two at a point specified by the user. - Copy
Copies the type of one wall to another. - Delete
Removes the selected walls and partitions.
Floor slabs
The "Floor slabs" menu allows you to add and edit horizontal or sloped geometric elements in the model, such as floor slabs, floor-to-floor slabs, and flat and sloped roofs.
The following types of floor slabs are available:
- Screed
Allows you to define floor slabs and sanitary floor slabs. - Intermediate floor slab
This allows you to add an internal floor slab, which separates two areas of the building, or a cantilevered floor slab, which separates an interior space above from the outdoor area below. - Flat roof
Allows for the installation of a flat roof. - Sloped roof
Allows you to add an overhang to a pitched roof.
The program offers two options for adjusting the geometry of horizontal slabs and pitched roofs:
- Applying elevation changes to horizontal partitions
This allows you to apply a positive or negative elevation changes to a ground-floor slab, an intermediate-floor slab, or a roof slab relative to the floor level. This elevation changes shifts the slab parallel to the ground.
- Apply elevation changes to roofs
This allows you to apply a slope to the vertices of the polygon that defines a roof. The slope can be:- Calculated elevation changes
The program calculates the elevation difference at a given point based on the elevation differences entered for the other points in the chain of points that defines the roof perimeter. - Entered elevation changes
The user enters the elevation changes of the selected point relative to floor level, whether positive or negative.
- Calculated elevation changes
From the "Floors" menu, you can also add openings in floors by drawing their perimeter outline on the floor plan of a previously added floor:
- Openings in floor slabs
The tools for editing floor slabs are as follows:
- Edit
Allows you to edit the floor type to modify its properties or change the type assigned to the selected element. - Move
Allows you to modify the shape of a slab by repositioning the vertices or sides of the polygonal line that defines its perimeter. - Insert
Allows you to insert an additional point on the polyline that defines the perimeter of the slab. - Split
Allows you to split a slab into two slabs by drawing a polygonal line between two points on its perimeter. - Copy
Copies the type of one floor slab to another. - Delete
Deletes the selected floor slabs.
Openings
The "Openings" menu allows you to add and edit openings such as doors, windows, openings and skylights in the model. You must first add the wall or floor slab in which you wish to create the opening.
The following types of openings are available:
- Door
Adds a door to a wall or partition. - Window or glazed opening
Adds a glazed opening to a wall or partition. The following parameter is defined:- Ground clearance
- Opening
Creates an open opening in a wall or partition. The following parameter is defined:- Ground clearance
- Rectangular skylight
Allows you to insert a rectangular skylight into a floor slab. The following parameters are defined:- Long
- Width
- Circular skylight
Adds a circular skylight to a floor slab. The following parameter is defined:- Diameter
- Polygonal skylight
Adds a user-defined free-form polygonal skylight to a floor slab.
The gap editing tools are as follows:
- Edit
Allows you to edit the opening type to modify its properties or change the type assigned to the selected element. - Move
Moves an existing opening
- For doors, windows or glazed openings, if the width of the opening is fixed, this changes its position to another location on the floor plan whilst keeping its dimensions constant. If the width is not fixed, it allows one end of the opening to be moved along the wall where it is situated, increasing or decreasing its size.
- For circular and rectangular skylights, it allows their position on the floor plan to be moved.
- For polygonal skylights, it is possible to move the vertices and sides of the polygon that defines them. - Adjust:
Move the doors and windows to align them with the interior beams, the exterior beams, or the centre of the opening in the wall. - Rotate
a skylight about an axis perpendicular to the skylight that passes through its geometric centre. - Copy
Copies the type and characteristics from one opening to another. - Delete
Removes the selected gaps.
Closing elevation changes
This option allows you to create a closure at the elevation changes previously generated at the boundary between two floor slabs on the same storey, after using the "Insert elevation changes in horizontal partitions" or "Insert elevation changes in roofs" options.
The closing of gaps can be categorised as any of the types of walls and partitions and uses the same editing tools:
- External wall
- Partitions
- Basement wall
- Defences
- Virtual partition
- Edit
- Move
- Adjust
- Invert
- Join
- Divide
- Copy
- Delete
Furthermore, in the menu accessible via this option, you can insert gaps in the level transitions defined in the model. This menu provides the editing tools for these levels:
- Door
- Window or glazed opening
- Opening
- Edit
- Move
- Adjust
- Copy
- Delete
Elevation changes are shown on the floor plan using a hatched pattern.
Columns
The "Columns" menu allows you to add and edit rectangular or circular columns in the model.
The option available for inserting columns is as follows:
- New:
Add a column after defining the following parameters:- Reference
- Type selection:
- Rectangular
- Width X
- Width Y
- Circular
- Diameter
- Rectangular
- Insertion point (centre, sides or corners)
The options available for editing pillars are as follows:
- Edit
Edits the reference, type and characteristics of the selected abutment. - Move
Moves the selected column. - Rotate
Rotates the selected column 90 degrees. - Copy
Copies the properties from one column to another. - Delete
Deletes the selected pillars.
Thermal breaks
The "Thermal breaks" menu allows you to add and edit this type of element in the model. A thermal break is an element designed to reduce the flow of heat through a specific area, a specific edge or a specific structural junction in the building, thereby preventing the formation of a linear thermal bridge.
The tools available in this menu are as follows:
- New
Inserts a new thermal break into the workspace. - Edit
Edits the properties of a thermal break. - Move
Moves a thermal switch. You can move it parallel to its current position or move one of its ends. - Rotate
Rotates the position of the thermal break relative to the reference line. - Copy
Copies the type and description from one thermal break to another. - Delete
Deletes thermal breaks.
Thermal breaks are represented in the workspace as linear elements covered by a striped pattern and are placed in the areas where heat flow needs to be reduced.
Entering spaces
The following options are available in the "Spaces" group of the main toolbar:
These options allow the building spaces to be entered and edited after the architectural elements have been defined.
The tool for entering new spaces is as follows:
- New
Allows a new space to be entered into the model. The following parameters must be defined:- Reference
- Exterior (optional)
Indicates that the space entered is an exterior space, such as a balcony or terrace.
The space editing tools are as follows:
- Edit
Edits or consults the type and characteristics that have been associated with the selected space. - Move
Moves the space definition point. - Copy
Copies the characteristics of one space to another. - Search
Searches for a space by entering the text of its reference or part of it. - Delete
Deletes one or more spaces.
Grouping spaces
The following options are available in the main toolbar in the "Groups of spaces" group:
These tools allow users to group previously entered spaces according to their characteristics to carry out the zoning of the project. This zoning can then be imported into the analysis programs.
The tools for defining groups of spaces are as follows:
- New / Edit
Allows users to access the table of groups of spaces. Several levels of space groups can be created through a group hierarchy system. On the right, the table shows the spaces assigned to each group. Each space group has the following parameters:- Reference
- Colour
- Assign
Allows users to select a group of spaces and assign it to one or more spaces previously entered in the model.
- Unassign
Allows users to unassign a group of spaces to the selected spaces in the model.
Defining nearby volumes
The "Nearby buildings and other obstacles" menu is located in the "Building elements" group of the main toolbar:
The options in this menu can be used to define volumes close to the building, such as other nearby buildings, which can later be considered in simulations carried out by other programs, especially due to the calculation of shadows cast by them.
The tool for entering nearby volumes is as follows:
- Nearby buildings and other obstacles
Allows users to enter a nearby volume to simulate the existence of a nearby building or other obstacle. The volume outline can be entered on any floor.
This tool requires the definition of the following parameter:- Height
Height of the volume with respect to the ground plane.
- Height
The program will generate a volume by extruding the contour entered on the plan with the defined height and supported on the base plan of the ground.
The tools for editing nearby volumes are as follows:
- Edit
Modifies the height of the selected volume. - Move
Changes the plan layout of a nearby volume by modifying the position of the vertices of its outline. - Delete
Deletes one or more selected volumes.
Editing tools
The following options are available in the "Edit" group of the main toolbar:
The operation of each of these tools is described below.
 | Edit | Allows users to select an element of the model and edit its parametric properties. |
 | Move | Allows users to move a group of elements. |
 | Rotate | Allows users to rotate a group of elements. |
 | Copy | Allows users to create a copy of one or more elements. |
 | Delete | Allows users to delete a previously entered element. |
 | Symmetry (move) | Allows users to move a selection of elements with symmetry with respect to a vertical plane defined by two points. |
 | Symmetry (copy) | Allows users to copy a selection of elements with symmetry with respect to a vertical plane defined by two points. |
 | Information | Displays an information box with the data entered. |
Annotation tools
The "Annotations" section of the main toolbar contains the following options:
These options allow you to enhance the model’s graphical documents by adding drawing elements such as text labels, dimensions and measurements.
The following list describes how each of the annotation tools works:
 | Elevation | Inserts a dimension between two points. You must specify the "Colour", the line "Thickness" and the "Size" of the dimension text. |
 | Line | Draws a line or segment between two points. You must specify the line's "Colour" and "Thickness". |
 | Text | Adds a text label to mark a point. Enter the desired text and specify the "Colour", "Line thickness" and "Text size". |
 | Text box | Inserts a separate text box. Enter the text you want, specify the text’s “Colour” and “Size”, and indicate whether you want to add a “Border” and/or a “Filled background” in a specific colour. |
 | Arc | Draws an arc, either specifying the radius or not. You must specify the "Colour", the line "Thickness" and the "Size" of the text for the radius. |
 | Circle | Draws a circle, either without dimensions, with a dimensioned radius, or with a dimensioned diameter. You must specify the "Colour", the "Line weight" and the "Size" of the dimension text. |
 | Rectangle | Draws a rectangle. The "Show area" option allows you to add text containing this information. You must specify the "Colour", the line "Thickness" and the "Size" of the area text. |
 | Area | Draws a free-form polygonal area. The "Show area" option allows you to add text containing this information. You must specify the "Colour", "Line thickness" and "Size" of the area text. |
 | Polyline | Draws a free-form polyline. You must specify the line "Colour" and "Thickness". |
In addition, the following editing tools are available for annotations:
 | Edition | Allows you to select an annotation and edit its parametric properties. |
 | Delete | This allows you to delete one or more entries. |
 | Move | Allows you to move a group of entries. |
 | Assign | This allows you to apply the properties of the selected annotation to other annotations that have already been entered. The programme highlights annotations that already have the same properties in orange, and those that do not in yellow. |
To ensure that annotations are positioned accurately, you can use the object reference and template snap options, thereby ensuring they are correctly aligned with the building components.
In the "View" panel, located on the left-hand side, you can show or hide all annotations added to the model.
Analysis and results of model geometry checking
The following options are available in the "Results" group of the main toolbar:
These tools allow users to check that the defined geometric model contains no modelling errors. We recommend that this check is carried out before exporting the model to other platforms.
Analyse
Allows users to analyse the geometric checking of the model. The program displays a window showing the progress of the analysis.
Show results
Displays the results of the last analysis carried out. Hovering the cursor over the spaces in the model displays their geometrical characteristics.
Show edges
Displays the horizontal and vertical edges generated at the intersections between elements. Positioning the cursor over each edge displays its length.
These edges can then be considered by acoustic and energy simulation programs (e.g. thermal bridges).
Show/Hide incidents
Highlights elements where an error has occurred using an on-screen warning system. The following options are available:
- Hide all errors
- Show only those errors in data entry
- Show all errors
- Show only the following errors
Hovering the cursor over these elements will display the message describing each error.
Results output
Directly exporting the model in IFC format
Using the "File" menu, IFC Builder allows users to export the building model directly to an IFC format file that can be saved to disk.
The program allows users to configure the following fields:
- Name
- Export
- Quantities (FIEBDC-3) (optional)
- DXF-DWG Template
- Export templates (optional)
- Generate DWG templates for floors based on the modelling that has been carried out
IFC and GLTF files supported by BIMserver.center
When exporting the project to the BIMserver.center platform, an IFC file and a 3D model in GLTF format are automatically exported for the integration of the building model in the Open BIM project, allowing it to be viewed:
- On the online platform;
- In the BIMserver.center app for iOS and Android;
- In virtual reality and augmented reality;
- In other CYPE programs.
Integration into the BIMserver.center platform
Many of CYPE's programs are connected to the BIMserver.center platform and allow collaborative work to be carried out via the exchange of files in formats based on open standards.
Please note that, to work on BIMserver.center, users can register on the platform free of charge and create a profile.
When accessing a program connected to the platform, the program connects to a project in BIMserver.center. This way, the files of the projects that have been developed collaboratively in BIMserver.center are kept up to date.
| More information: |
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| For further details related to using CYPE software via the BIMserver.center platform, please click on this link. |
Options available in IFC Builder
The "BIMserver.center" group in the main toolbar contains the features needed to use IFC Builder together with other BIMserver.center tools:
The architectural models generated with IFC Builder can then be imported by a wide variety of acoustic and energy simulation and structural and MEP analysis applications linked to BIMserver.center. These apps will interpret the data needed to make the model and the analyses for each speciality, such as the number and height of floors and the geometry of the spaces, walls and partitions, floor slabs, openings or columns, depending on each case.
Update
Allows users to update the information contained in the models that were previously imported into the project or to import new models.
Models read from other programs and disciplines can be displayed in the 3D view of IFC Builder.
Share
Allows users to export the information of the model developed with IFC Builder to BIMserver.center to share it with other users.
During the export process, users can define information related to the identification of the files to be exported and the types of files that are generated:
- Name
- Description
- Options
- Export
- Quantities (FIEBDC-3) (optional)
- DXF-DWG Template
- Export templates (optional)
- Generate DWG templates for floors based on the modelling that has been carried out (optional)
- Export
