U-Value Calculation in Labels & Centralised Custom Physical Properties for Materials

[Diego Rojas]

I’d like to see Archicad provide the ability to display U-values directly on labels or automate them through properties, using the assigned physical properties of composites and complex profiles. This would greatly streamline energy performance assessments and documentation.

Additionally, while Archicad currently allows users to add custom physical properties, these are project-specific and must be recreated for every new project. It would be highly beneficial to have a centralised material property manager or library where custom physical properties can be stored and shared across multiple projects. This would increase efficiency, maintain consistency, and expand the available material database for future use.

These features would enhance workflows for energy analysis, compliance reporting, and material specification. I’d love to hear if others see the benefit of this as well!

Diego Rojas

BIM Architect

[Ian_Forbes_Architect]

This would be a great addition! A centralised library for custom physical properties would save a lot of time. Hope to see this considered!

[Jaime-airc_digital]

Hi Diego, I had the same idea and developed a label to do the u-value calculations as well as showing the physical properties and compare the result to the local regulations. Take a look:
https://airc.digital/projects/012-u-value-tool/

[Diego Rojas]

Hi @Jaime-airc_digital 

Thanks! I really appreciate your contribution—I know your tool, and I think it’s great. It addresses something essential for the industry, particularly in relation to energy efficiency using Archicad. It would also be fantastic if you could integrate the Scottish standards into it.

However, as this is not an integrated tool within Archicad, it slows down the wider adoption of sustainable practices due to the price barrier. Of course, some people are willing to pay whatever is necessary to demonstrate that their work is more energy-efficient or sustainable, but many others are not yet fully aware of the importance of these considerations. This is where a built-in tool becomes even more relevant— just like many other features in Archicad that have personally helped me grow as a professional.

[Jaime-airc_digital]

Thanks Diego for your appreciation of our work. We totally understand that the price can be a barrier and that's why we release them as permanent licenses for a price (£49 for the U-value tool p.e.) that we think is fair for the effort we put in the development.

I will look into integrating the Scottish standards in the tool, thanks for your suggestion. I agree that it would a great addition to Archicad toolbox, so very happy to collaborate with Graphisoft to discuss an integration into the standard libraries.