HOW TO CREATE SPLAYED WINDOWS
I needed to recreate some windows typically found in medieval churches, but nothing like this exists ready-made in my TurboFloorPlan catalog.
With these windows, the inside opening is wider than the outside opening, and the sides of the window frame and the window sill are sloped ("splayed"). This was a common feature where a small window was inserted into a very thick wall, and had to throw as much light as possible into the room. (see attached pictures below)
Here are my tips on how to create a medieval "splayed window".
(I currently use TurboFloorPlan V.14, although later versions should behave in exactly the same way).
In simple terms:
- In "2D Designers View" create a small ceiling by picking points, then give it the "tray" shape property.
- Curve the top end into an arch, and cut out an area where the glass will go.
- Create a backplate for it, superimpose it all together, texture it, and add some window glass.
- Export the finished project as a 3DS model, and re-import it into your catalog for later use.
Now the same instructions in more detail.
For this example, my units of meausure are Imperial (feet and inches). It is helpful if you create a grid with X and Y spacing of 1 feet, and turn gridsnap "on".
(Remember: you should use the 'View Filter' to turn off the terrain, or the terrain - and anything else that is "visible" in your project - will also become part of your object when you export it!)
It is best if you design it in "2D Designer's View" (colour) rather than "2D Plan View" - ceilings are harder to see in wireframe:-
1. Start with a blank project and create a small ceiling by picking points. (Menu: Insert > Ceiling > Ceiling by Picking Points). For this example make it 5 feet wide by 7 feet tall.
2. In the ceiling properties (right-click on the ceiling and select "Properties") under the "Basic" tab, change the ceiling type to "Tray". This creates an oblong depression in the window where our glass will go.
3. Now turn gridsnap "off" - THIS IS IMPORTANT! (Otherwise with gridsnap "on" a bug in TurboFloorPlan can cause the next steps to leave unwanted gaps in the arch of the ceiling, and cause the program to crash).
4. With gridsnap turned off, right-click on the ceiling and select "Curve" from the pop-up menu. The mouse pointer will change to a "+" sign with a curved shape under it, rather like a "smile".
5. Drag the top grab-handle in the middle and extend the ceiling by a further two feet. Then let go of the mouse. This will have created an arched top.
6. With gridsnap still turned off, right-click on the ceiling again and select "Cut Opening" from the pop-up menu. The mouse pointer will change to a "+" sign with a scalpel and a square under it.
7. Cut out an opening where the glass will go - but DO NOT try and cut out the curved shape at the top just yet. Simply cut out a rectangle for now, finishing just below where the curve starts.
8. To cut out a neat curve for the top of the arch, now right-click on the ceiling again and select "Curve" from the pop-up menu. The mouse pointer will once more change to a "+" sign with a curved shape under it like a "smile".
9. In the same way that you created the arch, drag the top middle grab-handle of your cut out shape, and extend the cut upwards, this time making a perfect curve. (Much neater than trying to do it by eye, isn't it?)
10. It is now safe to turn gridsnap back "on".
11. Now create a backplate for the newly created window by making a copy of the original window (right-click on your ceiling and select "Duplicate" from the pop-up menu. Drag the window to one side to make the copy).
12. In the ceiling properties under the "Basic" tab, now change the ceiling "Type" of this backplate back to "Flat". (This flattens it out completely, but leaves both the hole and the shape intact).
13. Drag the newly created backplate over the original window so that it superimposes it precisely (turning gridsnap back on helps with this).
And that's it!!
You can add glass and export the model for use in your catalog - see Allan Chesney's excellent post on creating objects - http://forums.turbofloorplan.com/index.php/topic,1130.0.html
To use the new splayed window once you have imported it as an object in your catalog, create a wall and change the wall properties so that the wall width matches the depth of the window. Insert an opening in the wall (Menu: Insert > Openings) - this opening doesn't need to be much bigger than the size of the glass - an arched opening is best.
You will need to elevate the window and experiment with dimensions to make it fit as required - you can always export it and re-import it again once you have customised it further.
The best way to learn is experiment - I hope you find this useful!
Hi Rod,
A cleaver way of doing it!! Thanks for passing it on and explaining it so well. :)
As I have said on previous occasions, the only thing that limits this program is ones imagination! If you have the will, there is a way to do it!
Sadly in Australia the most 'medieval' building is not much over 100year old so I won't get much oportunity to use the idea - except in playing of course. ;)
Allan
Hi Allan,
Thanks for your encouraging comments!
I think "medieval" is actually a bit of a misnomer here. I have been in a couple of modern-built buildings recently, and noticed several splayed windows.
Some were square, some were arched, and a couple were completely round. I guess the need for a technique to throw more natural light into a room by splaying a window, still holds good after all these years (particularly if we don't all live in bright, sunny countries!)
I wouldn't be surprised if we all start noticing more splayed windows now we have mentioned it :)
Thanks again!
--
Rod
Hi Rod,
Quote from: Rod on May 07, 2012, 07:56:58 AM
I guess the need for a technique to throw more natural light into a room by splaying a window, still holds good after all these years (particularly if we don't all live in bright, sunny countries!)
Actually "bright sunny countries" (I know you are actually jealous! ;) ) have the opposite problem - we try to keep the light and heat out! Most houses have reflective window tinting and external shade mesh blinds or motorised roller shutters. The latter are becoming very popular, as they keep out the heat as well as being a security protection. They would be ideal in the UK for keeping out the cold in winter I would imagine - if they didn't freeze up that is! Do you see them there much?
Allan