Modeling for energy analysis in Sefaira differs from creating a model for architectural renderings or construction documentation. The resources which follow will help you save time and model more efficiently and accurately for building physics analysis.

This section contains various videos which will get you from newbie to expert energy model creator. You’ll learn how to create an energy model from scratch, and also how to re-work an existing design model into a working energy model. Dive right in!

How is 3D geometry used in analysis?

This video covers the core concepts for creating a model for analysis, including (1) using analysis to inform design, and (2) what an energy model needs (required inputs). 

What are best practices for modeling in SketchUp for Sefaira?

In this video, we show the general principles and tips to draw best for Sefaira with Sketchup - keep the geometry simple, check your "entities" as Sefaira interprets them, iterate

What if I'm starting from a 2D drawing? 

This video shows how you can create a quick and simple analysis model in SketchUp for use in Sefaira - from 2D drawings. Anything that SketchUp can import or even a screengrab of a .pdf. 

What if I'm starting from an existing model? 

This video shows how you can simplify a very complicated model for analysis in Sefaira. 3D software models are made for lots of different reasons. It can be useful to take a model which was built for something else and use it to start your Sefaira analysis. 

How can I create a fast early stage study model? 

This video shows how to create quick STUDY MODELS to analyse the performance implications of design ideas. This can be the quickest way to get answers to your questions in Sefaira. It gives you full understanding of the model and matches the level of other inputs that you will enter.

What if I'm looking to use the model for Daylighting studies? 

This video provides tips and best practice for modeling in SketchUp for Daylight analysis with Sefaira. Sefaira uses Radiance and DaySIM to provide sDA, ASE, Daylight Factor, direct sunlight analysis and specific hourly lux levels. 

Note: For more information about Daylighting analysis with Sefaira see this section of the knowledgebase.  

Can I use a single model for design and analysis?

This video shows how it is possible to create a single model that can be used for both design and analysis. Learn how to isolate, hide, tag, layer, scene create, so that your model will look great and analyse fast.

How do I model custom zones for the Web Application?

This video quickly shows you how easy it is to set up your rooms or zones in Sefaira with Sketchup. There are a few ways to do it and they each have their tips and tricks. Sometimes, you do not even need to draw the walls - we do it for you! 

Note: For more information about zones and how Sefaira uses them, please read this article. 

How do I make sure my model is ready to upload to the Web Application? 

This video shows you what and how to check just before you upload a model from SketchUp to the Sefaira Web Application. Review plane limits; planes/glazing/shading. Hide anything not required for analysis & purge model. Check floor area. Check entities. Isolate each type. Make sure only analysis elements are visible & tagged. Check normals. Check location w.r.t. origin. Check room boundaries (if using room-by-room zoning in web app)

Design Guidance with Architecture 2030

Sefaira's Guidance tab pulls relevant passive design strategies together helping beginners understand high performance concepts and focusing the expert designer on the best approaches. These strategies are culled from the 2030 Palette, an in-line repository created by the Architecture 2030 team in conjunction with the AIA.