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Revit Family !link! — Mashrabiya

Creating a Mashrabiya family in Revit generally involves modeling intricate Islamic geometric patterns that can be applied to windows, screens, or facades. You can either build a custom parametric family or use existing resources to find pre-made ones. Modeling a Custom Mashrabiya

There are three common ways to create these patterns in Revit: Curtain Wall Panels

: This is the most efficient method for large facades. You create a custom Curtain Panel

family, model the geometric pattern as an extrusion, and then swap the standard glass panels in your project with this custom panel. Adaptive Components : For complex or organic shapes, Adaptive Components mashrabiya revit family

allow you to create patterns that can flex and conform to irregular surfaces. This is ideal for high-end parametric designs. CAD Import (Profile Editing)

: If you have a complex 2D pattern in AutoCAD, you can import it into the Edit Profile mode of a wall to quickly create a perforated screen. Autodesk Community, Autodesk Forums, Autodesk Forum Step-by-Step Creation (Basic Panel) Select Template : Start a new family using the Metric Curtain Panel Generic Model Define Reference Planes

: Create a grid of reference planes to define the boundaries and repetition of your pattern. Model the Geometry Creating a Mashrabiya family in Revit generally involves

tool to sketch the Islamic pattern. For a traditional look, focus on interlaced lines or star shapes. Add Parameters : Assign parameters like Pattern Scale so you can adjust the look within your project. Load into Project Load into Project

button on the ribbon to bring your new Mashrabiya into your main model. Where to Find Pre-made Families

If you'd rather not build one from scratch, you can search for "Mashrabiya" or "Islamic Screen" on these popular platforms: Revit Families: A Step-by-Step Introduction - Autodesk Step 4: Create the Outer Border

Feature: Parametric, Performance-Driven Mashrabiya Revit Family

9. Sample Formula Summary (Revit syntax)

Count X = if(and(Width > 0, Spacing X > 0), rounddown((Width - 2 * Edge Offset) / Spacing X) + 1, 1)
Actual Spacing X = (Width - 2 * Edge Offset) / (Count X - 1)
Hole Diameter Max = min(Spacing X, Spacing Y) * 0.8

Step 4: Create the Outer Border

  • Create → Extrusion.
  • Pick the outer boundary reference lines of the panel.
  • Set extrusion depth: Frame_Thickness.
  • Material: Wood or Metal (e.g., "Oak - Stained").
  • Lock the sketch to the 4 outer ref planes.

Advanced Parameters for Smart Families

To make your Mashrabiya Revit Family truly marketable (or usable on multiple projects), add these parameters to the family types:

| Parameter Name | Formula / Type | Function | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Openness Ratio | (Void Area / Total Area) * 100 | Calculates passive solar performance. | | Depth | Instance Parameter (Length) | Changes the 3D extrusion of the lattice for lighting control. | | Material_Swatch | Wood / Gypsum / Metal | Allows swapping between traditional wood and modern prefab aluminum. | | Pattern_Complexity | Integer (4, 6, 8) | Uses an if() statement to switch which nested node loads (e.g., 4-point star vs 8-point star). |

Example Formula for Complexity: if(Pattern_Complexity < 5, "Family_4Point", "Family_8Point")

1. Understanding the Concept

A Mashrabiya is an Islamic architectural element known for intricate latticework. In Revit, we will create a Curtain Panel Pattern-Based Family that:

  • Fits any quadrilateral grid.
  • Adjusts hole size and spacing via parameters.
  • Uses Void Extrusions to cut the pattern.