Adding rooms in PlanEdge is simple, there are two factors to consider.
• How thick is the wall between the rooms
• Are the adjacent rooms “in line” or “offset”
In line
Here we can see that the top wall in both rooms is in line and we can easily measure the wall thickness. This is the quickest and easiest type of room to add, just a measurement for the wall thickness is needed.
Offset
When the two rooms are not in line then PlanEdge asks for an additional dimension “offset”. This is done by calculating the distance of the offset.
The Offset can easily be calculated by using a fixed datum point in both rooms, a door jamb is ideal. We then deduct the short measurement A from the long measurement B to calculate the difference. This can often be done on the laser if it supports simple mathematic functions.
Complex connections
There are however sometimes more complex connections, we therefore need to be able to cater for these scenarios. It is not necessary that a room is started in a corner, sometimes starting at a known point along a wall such as a door jamb or window can be beneficial and make life easier.
Angled in line
When two adjacent rooms run along an angle there is a small difference in the measurements A & B. Measuring these accurately and ensuring they run in line is virtually impossible. We therefore start the connected room at the door jamb by using offset A when adding the room. It is then simple to use the predictors to ensure the room lines up and check the dimensions as we go.
Start of the room at the door jamb.
Using predictors to unsure that the top wall is in line and check the distance (in this case 0.45m).
Wrap around
Sometimes one room will wrap around another and include angled walls.
It is possible to connect the rooms via the bottom wall in this example, however the door can often get in the way of accurate measurements because of the direction it opens. In this example the door blocks the line of sight for measurement B and with the door closed it is often difficult to get the exact same datum in both rooms.
Trying to measure the offset between A & B is also difficult as the distances are small and B is measured to an external corner creating its own problems. By far the easiest way is to use A as the offset and start the right hand room at the door jamb.
Starting the new room at the door jamb enables you to use the predictors to accurately follow the adjacent room.
Predictors can be cycled through by tapping on the point. The cycle is perpendicular to the first wall of this corner, then perpendicular to the second wall (only one if 90 deg) and then to bisect the angle of the corner. For the room to wrap around and maintain the wall thickness then the bisection should be used.
The process can be repeated where necessary on additonal points.
This is just one of the ways that you can tailor your drawing to cater for complex buildings. PlanEdge is a tool that can be used in many ways to allow each individual to tackle the production of floor plans in a way that suits them and the scenario.