I first started setting up my structural model with wood supports in mind. I followed general guidelines for 25’ beam span using 12x26 beams (as a default in Revit) and began placing them in a corresponding grid. After finishing both floors and uploading the models to the coordination view, I learned a few valuable lessons.
- The first was to offset the columns from the outer walls. Several columns intersected with windows and other interior pieces so it made sense to give a little space separate from the outer envelope.
- The second was that random errors could show up in weird ways. The best example of this was that my columns seemed to float slightly above the floor (pictured above). Another scenario was that my supports on the second floor didn’t seem to show up. So I went back the drawing board to see what went wrong.
In the end I opted for steel supports to maximize structural integrity while maintaining the aesthetics of the intended interior design. I found it much simpler in design and given the many open areas and rooms it made the most sense so as to preserve usable and comfortable space. After updating a few inputs in the Revit model (namely the column offset and height parameters) the model became much cleaner and structurally sound:
