Project 2: Building a Bungalow

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In this project, we’ll take your Bonsai skills to the next level by designing a complete bungalow. You’ll learn about roof design, advanced foundations, structural elements, and more complex MEP systems. We’ll also introduce basic costing and scheduling concepts.

Prerequisites

  • Completion of Project 1: Designing a Flat

  • Good understanding of Bonsai’s basic and intermediate features

Learning Objectives

  • Design and model a complete roof structure

  • Create advanced foundations

  • Incorporate structural elements

  • Model roof openings and dormers

  • Design underground services

  • Create running services in subfloor space

  • Generate detailed drawings

  • Introduce basic costing and scheduling

Tutorial Steps

1. Project Initialization

  1. Set up a new IFC project for the bungalow project2.ifc

  2. Define project parameters (site conditions, climate zone, etc.)

  3. Create a basic site plan

Note

See Starting a New IFC Project for detailed instructions.

2. Advanced Foundation Design

  1. Model foundation walls and footings

  2. Create a slab-on-grade foundation

  3. Add insulation and damp-proofing elements

  4. Model foundation vents and access points

3. Structural Elements

  1. Add load-bearing walls

  2. Incorporate steel or wooden beams and columns

  3. Model floor joists and subfloor

  4. Create lintels for openings

4. Roof Design

  1. Choose a roof style (gable, hip, combination)

  2. Model roof trusses or rafters

  3. Add roof sheathing and finishing materials

  4. Create eaves, fascias, and soffits

5. Roof Openings and Dormers

  1. Design and place skylights

  2. Create chimney openings

  3. Model dormers (if applicable)

  4. Add roof vents

6. Underground Services

  1. Design and model a septic system or sewer connection

  2. Create water supply lines

  3. Add electrical service entrance

  4. Model gas lines (if applicable)

7. Subfloor Services

  1. Design HVAC ductwork in the subfloor space

  2. Create plumbing runs

  3. Model electrical conduits

  4. Add insulation between floor joists

8. Interior and Exterior Finishes

  1. Apply wall finishes (drywall, plaster, etc.)

  2. Add flooring materials

  3. Model ceiling finishes

  4. Create exterior cladding (siding, brick, stone)

9. MEP Systems

  1. Design a more complex electrical system

  2. Create a comprehensive HVAC layout

  3. Model a complete plumbing system

  4. Add smart home or security system elements

10. Detailed Drawings

  1. Generate foundation plans

  2. Create framing plans (floor and roof)

  3. Produce detailed sections showing construction assemblies

  4. Design detail drawings for complex junctions (roof-wall, foundation-wall)

11. Basic Costing

  1. Assign basic cost data to building elements

  2. Create a simple bill of quantities

  3. Generate a basic cost estimate

12. Introduction to Scheduling

  1. Break down the project into basic construction phases

  2. Assign durations to major tasks

  3. Create a simple Gantt chart

13. Final Steps and Export

  1. Review and refine all IFC properties

  2. Generate a complete set of drawings

  3. Create a basic project manual with drawings, cost estimate, and schedule

Conclusion

Congratulations on designing a complete bungalow! You’ve now expanded your skills to include more complex architectural and engineering concepts, as well as basic project management tools.

Next Steps

  • Experiment with different bungalow styles and layouts

  • Dive deeper into structural engineering concepts

  • Explore more advanced MEP system designs

  • Learn about energy modeling and sustainability features

  • Develop more detailed cost estimates and construction schedules

In the next project, we’ll scale up to a multi-story single-family home, introducing concepts like complex roofs, advanced MEP systems, and basic site landscaping.