4D Library 24-25-26-27 Updates

2023

• New "Grab Rail 4D" tool. Create almost any standard or non standard grab rail quickly
• Upgrades to the shower object, allowing for grab rail / shower rail combinations
• UI picture upgrade for easier selection of bowls and taps
• Recessed vanity bowls and pre-made custom component 'Care' style vanity bowls
• Shelving Part upgrade with new angled shelf and railing options
• Adjustable Z and C purlins locations in Roofing 4D
• Ability to change background colour on text box objects
• New 'fully adjustable' free standing bath option
• Soakwells can now display size on plan
• Sea level added to Storey Level Object and Elevation part
• Three track option for sliding door

August 2023

• WC part upgraded to have 3 extra WC styles using popular toilet shapes
• New interface for far easier use
• New two new window sill options
• Updates to the Storey Level Single Line object (Previously called basic)
• Link a single storey line to a storey in section and elevation
  Improved interface. I think this is the best option for story lines - because of the flexibility.
• Roof 4D - Improved box gutter to spandrel setup.
• Much improved Skylight and Extra opening handling in the Air Movement Schedule

October 2023

• Door Circulation Spaces / Clearances - Overhauled and ready for documentation
• Rainwater Tank Upgrade
• Storey Level Line now with completely new interface and flexible marker setup
• Grab Rails now include backrest for a WC
• Hidden Cistern option in WC
• Improved UI in 4D Roofing
• Garage Door - Option to reduce the floor plan size - without affecting the 3d
• Bug fixes to Interior Elevation marker, Downpipe UI, cupboard assembley etc etc

2022

The 4D Library has now been updated to R2..

R2 brings the new API based area tool, smart library management features, and many more new smaller features

Marker Builder in External Window and Doors

A new flexible system of window and door marker that allows for the creation of window and door makers to suit almost any situation.

• Create your own specific maker that conforms to manufacturer or office requirements
• Create sizes in any combination of decimetre, millimetre, metre, brick courses or using the ArchiCAD preferences
• Add transom and sash characters
• Add glazing notes when applicable
• These complex calculations must be done in each library part, creating markers that are not possible with labels or standard window markers
• Full rich text editing is availble, as per all 4D Library parts

The controls to the right are as follows

1. Select your content for the marker - See this list -->
2. Add custom text if required
3. Insert a new section between content parameters
4. Add separators if required
5. Force a new line
6. Preview the marker

4D Roofing tool improvements.

Segmented gutters

• This feature allows each gutter to have up to 3 segments. Making stepped – variable width eaves easy to adjust.
• Hotspots are availbe in plan and elevation to move the segment join (Green arrows below) and adjust the soffit with (Blue arrows below)
• Each segment can have up to 4 downpipes. This allows the user even more downpipes when the need arises.

Downpipes linked to a Storey

• New feature allows downpipes to link their bottom position to a storey or reference level.
  This requested feature allows the roof plane to move vertically – keeping the downpipes all at the same vertical position.

Update Site Areas

• Easily update and add site area fills to the Site Plan Setout Tool.
• Select your site area (‘Area’ can be modelled with a slab, fill or mesh) select the Siteplan
• Select the Site Setout Tool and press the ‘Site Tool update’ button.
• Easy and very quick

Landscaping Wall 4D

• New method of stretching with the landscaping wall
• Preferred – with a maximum spacing – but always evenly spaced (Bottom wall below)
• Extact – with all panels the same size – bar the last panel. Great for modelling standard size panelling. (Top wall below)

Model View Option control of the Site tool Setout object

• Easily change the site tool mode.
• This allows the user to change from ‘Sketch’ mode to ‘Working Drawings’ mode to ‘Slab Setout’ mode automatically from view to view.
• Hotspots also added to corner boundaries and other small improvements to the Site Setout Tool

Vanity, Mirror and Bath Improvements.

• New Mirror options. Now any corner can be curved with individually adjustable radii
• Mirror options now include a new ‘Side’ option for clips.
• Mirrors have been updated in all objects that have a mirror attached.
• Including the free standing mirror object itself
• Finally the ability to adjust the tap locations via hotspot in the very popular vanity and bath objects.
• The new feature also bring independent rotation of taps. So multiple bowl vanities can have individual placement of taps as well as individual rotation. As per the diagram above. And bath taps can have rotated mixers etc.
• Note that ‘Enable Editable Tap Hotspots’ must be active
• Note the dashed line on the curved corner mirror. The line will always interect perfectly with the curve. This was HARD 🙂

2020 R1 Features

Almost every Interface has been updated with rich 2d and 3d representation pages. Along with consistent pens and materials set for every single library part. Aligning all 4D Library settings with the International and Australian pens and materials. The good news is existing users can continue with no interruptions. Because of technology introduced over the last few versions, no placed library parts or favourites will be effected by this huge change.

Cupboard Assembly

Corner entire cabinets – internally or externally or at any angle. The resulting cabinet work can be either mitred, or end panels set to either side. Note: This kitchen has been modelled using only 3 Cupboard assembly parts .

Universal Notes.

This tool enables your office to have consistent but easily updated notes spread amongst all your files. All while having flexible font and text box settings. Its similar to linking your standard notes to a module, but without all the restrictions a module creates. A similar part was developed for my old work place years ago, but this new and improved version is ready for the big time.

Each universal note is linked to text file that can be either loaded with the library or located in a fixed position on your network. Different universal notes are available for Floorplan, elevations, layouts and site plans. But because the linked text file is easily changed, you can create universal notes for any type of document.

An example of the Universal notes usage. The below screen shot contains a line ‘REFER TO ADDENDA FOR ALL INTERNAL WALL FINISHES’. But perhaps your office next year decides to replace the word ‘ADDENDA’ with ‘CONTRACT DOCUMENTS’. Simple edit the linked text file and every project with that note will automatically be updated. !!

Waffle Slab Tool (Accessory)

A dedicated tool to instantly create waffle slabs. Complete with footings – ribs and pods. Every edge is adjustable and the setout of the pods easily modified to suit engineering. Up to 17 different edge types can be created. The means the one favourite can potentially allow for every scenario that your office could create. In the screen shots below, note that the foam insulation is actually part of the tool. You just model the slab portion and the complete waffle is created underneath.

Curtain wall furring channels

Create cladding on any angle and shape using the Curtain Wall tool, and easily add standard furring channels. Great for Scyon type claddings with express joints. As per the new example project to the right. Favourites have been created for easy setup.

Fence and Railings

All new Fence and Railing part. Now you can attach your fencing to ArchiCAD elements like walls and meshes. Using all the usual picket options with a few extras added for 24. Gothic, triangular, trident, spear, pool loops, splayed and bevel are all available. Favourites have been created for many different fencing types, which are a great starting point for your own customised types.

Shutters

Now available in windows – perfect for the ‘Hampton’ look. Including swings in floor plan and full model view option control