IFC Builder

IFC Builder provides a straightforward environment for creating the geometric and spatial model of a building. Projects can be developed manually from a blank file, traced using imported drawing templates or generated by importing an existing IFC model. Supported reference formats include DXF, DWG, DWF, PDF and common image files.

The building is organised by floors and groups. Users can model external walls, internal partitions, party walls, basement walls, retaining walls, floor slabs, flat and pitched roofs, doors, windows, glazed openings, columns and thermal breaks. Spaces can then be created and grouped according to their intended use.

Element libraries allow recurring building components and their properties to be defined and reused. Components can use simplified geometric definitions or detailed construction systems containing material layers and technical information. IFC Builder can also obtain materials, glazing, windows and construction solutions from manufacturers’ catalogues through the Open BIM Database.

Construction systems may include thermal, acoustic and fire-performance information. Individual layers can be defined as solid materials, air cavities or vapour barriers, with properties such as thickness, density, thermal conductivity, thermal resistance, specific heat and water-vapour diffusion resistance.

The program can import point-cloud files and display the model floor by floor or as a complete three-dimensional building. Geometry checks help identify modelling incidents before the project is exported.

Completed models can be exported as IFC files or shared with BIMserver.center. The resulting architectural information can provide the base model for structural, MEP, acoustic, lighting, fire-protection and building-energy workflows.