The Daylighting and Energy analysis engines in the Plugin are subject to different constraints. Thus, when conducting Daylighting-specific studies it is recommended that you select the "Daylight" analysis mode from the drop down menu at the top of the plugin.

If you find that your Revit model is overly complex for Sefaira analysis (even in "Daylight" only mode), the following steps will help you refine your Revit model for the Sefaira SEPP65 Analysis. 

Generate Sefaira Views

1. Open Revit File and under Add-ons open Sefaira

2. Click Generate Sefaira Views

3. Open the Sefaira Daylighting Analysis View.

4. Activate the Visibility/Graphics Override and uncheck Windows and Doors

4. Duplicate the Sefaira Daylighting Analysis View and create a view that shows only the floors by going into the view template and unchecking all but Floors.

Following this, go through all the floors and check "Ignore For Sefaira" under Properties for any floors that don't contain rooms, for any carpet or tile elements, or any other floors that will not affect the analysis (these add quite a lot of analysis time).

As well, any elements that are shading should be selected and the box "shading for Sefaira" should be ticked. 

Modelling Context

Create context geometry by modeling building forms with floors, walls, and roofs (and tagging them all as "Shading for Sefaira"). Or, you can create context by editing a roof or floor type to be 30-50 meters thick. (A 30m thick floor will create the same shade as a 30m tall building)

To tag context as shading, select the element and in the Properties box check the box “Shading for Sefaira”

Ignoring Elements

To speed up the analysis, any elements that are associated with levels or context that will not affect the analysis should be ignored. This is done by checking the box “Ignore for Sefaira”.

Running the Analysis

Please see this video for guidance on how to run a SEPP65 analysis. 

Sefaira SEPP65 Analysis

Modelling Tips:

1. When assigning rooms, make sure all living spaces have their own room. Also, the naming convention of the rooms is important: Sefaira will automatically group rooms with the same first name.

2. When modelling shading elements, use roof/floor/wall elements and be consistent in the use of these throughout the modelling process

3. Curtain wall mullions can be used as shading elements

4. For the following functions, be consistent in the use of elements:

a) Lift shafts
b) External walls
c) Internal walls
d) Shading
e) Balconies (if possible)
f) Roofs should be modelled as roofs
g) Retail (optional) 

If you have any comments or questions, please check out the SketchUp + Sefaira Forum or contact support@sefaira.com