Design Information

Revit File

A Revit file for the LightLouver Daylighting System has been created for use by the design community.  To download the LightLouver Revit File, please click here.

Instructions for using the LightLouver Revit File are presented below.  These instructions are included in the download of the LightLouver Revit File.

  • The LightLouver Revit File can be used to model the LightLouver basic geometry within the Revit software.  The file contains one family type that is a surface type, meaning it is placed on and hosted by a surface in the Revit model.  This surface should be the "daylight window" in which a LightLouver Unit will be placed.  The family has two main "Type" parameters that adjust the height and width of the LightLouver unit.  Censequentially, a resulting Revit project will have a different Family for each different LightLouver unit size used in the project.
  • When placing a LightLouver unit in a Revit project, first determine the opening sizes of the windows in which the LightLouver units will be installed.  Before placing the unit, create a new LightLouver family, with a name that indicates the opening size, with the width and height type parameters equal to the window's opening width and height (ie, "LightLouver_4'-0" X 2'-6").  Next, place the newly created LightLouver family into the model onto the inside surface of the window in question.   When placing the LightLouver unit, use the space bar to rotate the object such that the top bar is at the top of the model.  Depending on the window surface definition, the LightLouver unit can initially be sideways or upside down.
  • Once placed on the window, the height of the LightLouver unit needs to be adjusted and the LightLouver unit needs to be centered in the window opening as it does not auto-locate itself on the window surface.  The LightLouver unit is always spaced 1/4" away from the window surface it is attached to.  A section view of the window / LightLouver unit in question may be the easiest view from which to adjust the height.  The insertion point of the LightLouver model ("Elevation" instance parameter) is at the topmost point of the unit and should be at the same plane as the top frame element of the window in which it will be installed.  The AL (align) command can also be used to align the top of the LightLouver unit with the top window frame.  A floor plan view may be the easiest view from which to ensure the unit is centered in the window.  The LightLouver model insertion point is centered along the LightLouver unit’s width.  If the window object is also centered, these dimensions can simply be matched.

The LightLouver Revit model is a rough but representative geometry, and contains an IES photometric file that represents the performance of the LightLouver unit under a south facing, clear equinox sky at noon.  The LightLouver IES photometric file is intended mainly as a place holder.  The accuracy of Revit's internal lighting calculations for an asymmetric lighting system, such as the LightLouver Daylighting System, is unclear.  If lighting calculations are desired, we recommend using lighting-specific calculation software. 

We offer LightLouver IES photometric files and simulation support upon request.  E-mail .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) for any questions regarding the Revit Family or use of the LightLouver IES photometric files.