Corner Windows

[Doug.S]

Thanks for your ideas Doug...I'd like to learn how to solve these problems within the software, otherwise there's no point in having it, I may as well just use the other program if I have to keep jumping out to it to make everything I need.  But I can see how your method would easily solve this particular problem.

Gaz

My approach to all graphics/computer work is to use whatever program or programs that collectively/singularly do the job the best/easiest/fastest/least painful/within my knowledge or ability to learn quickly....in other words if I was being paid for the work by the job, I try to complete the work in the shortest amount of time, yet please the client.

Sometimes I go in a different direction just to learn a new skill or to "play".

My approach may not be the best for anyone else and not likely anyone else has the same set of tools and will have a different base of experience in each of them than I do. So I offer suggestions knowing that is all they are; suggestions not solutions; because others may not work the same way....but if my suggestion sparks an idea to help someone solve their problem, then I feel good I could help. I know what I know because others helped me along the way.

[the cad man]

...thanks Doug...I appreciate your input, and I tried your method first (with a great deal of success) as it made sense to me and I could understand it.

Here is my first attempt at using only the local software...I got close to a resolution but I used a "member" that was 5mm thick and glass to imitate a window.  The result was that I couldn't move the sidelites right up to the "window" so I'll have to use a "wall" for the window as you suggested Allan (should have listened to your experience from the start!), then I'll be able to insert sidelites.  Back to the drawing board.

Gaz

[Allan Chesney]

Hi Garry,

The other advantage of using a wall is that you can use the Baseboard and Crown Molding as the frame- although it is almost as easy to just use Members to add the window frames.
Using a member for the glass is fine if you don't have sidelights

Allan

[the cad man]

SUCCESS!

Using only the software I finally managed to successfully make a corner window with opposing sidelites.  As Allan suggested I used three walls, a high and low one above and below the window, and the window itself is a thin (5mm) "wall" of transparent glass with the sidelites sitting within it.

This now gives me the ability to create what I need within the software, or using external programs like the ideas I tried that were suggested by Doug...more skills means more options!

Thanks for all your help on this one guys, and my apologies Adrian for monopolizing your thread!

Gaz

[Doug.S]

Congratulations, looks excellent and good it can be done all in TFP.

Of course you also need to be sure there is adequate engineering/materials/analysis to be sure the corner can support the roof loads correctly.

You may notice in your starting picture the corner seems to have some corner metal; probably more than just a window frame and actually has some load support function too.

Just a caution if you plan to build a design like this; especially with the long span of window glass from corner to actual support walls

[Allan Chesney]

Hi Garry,

Looks good!! Hopefully you did not find it too difficult even though the description sounded a bit complex.

Just wondered about the name - somewhere near Tea Tree Plaza?

Allan

[Jack Zimmer]

Within a Wall properties is the Trim tab. You can set options in Trim to define the wall so it creates the lower wall, the glass and the upper wall all in one shot. You then name the wall and by selecting it you can draw out the wall as needed, even duplicating it to a new location for a second floor.

In this example the wall itself is set to 3' 6" high, the the Exterior Trim is selected and under Crown a Border is selected that has been custom added to 10" high and set to brick, then elevated in the Trim option.

Next, under Custom, a Wainscot trim is made which in this case is set to about 4' high - 1/4 " wide and set to glass. It must be 'elevated' using the a Offset option to raise it up to meet the upper 'Crown - Brick' above.

Thats' it.

You can add a crown on both interior left / right along with baseboard.

Basically what you are doing is creating a short wall with a Custom - Wainscot acting as the Glass and upper Crown , custom sized to act as upper Wall.

What is nice is it can be renamed, added to walls catalog and it is just a grab and draw out process to create new.

(Sill is added as a Member)

Jack

[Allan Chesney]

Hi Jack,

I have done it that way before too but never thought about saving the 'wall' back to the catalogue to reuse. So obvious yet it never crossed my mind!    Thanks!!

Allan