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A very warm welcome to the first section in this three part article on Revit’s Curtain System tools. In this introductory article we are going to take a look at how Revit handles Curtain Systems, and hopefully get you up to speed with the basics in a fun and informative manner.

Personally, I LOVE Revit’s Curtain System tools. They are quite powerful, quick and (once you understand the rationale behind their operation) easy to use.

So when would you want to use the Curtain System function? Well, an obvious reason would be to model a curtain wall system as part of your design. But you can also use Curtain Systems to create “feature glazing” for light wells and also to create planar glazing viewing screens which are framed within traditional masonry walls.

Above is an example of the use of Curtain Systems to form an entrance lobby and glazed façade. Using Revit’s Curtain System tool it was possible to create this in approximately 5 minutes.

Where do we find the Curtain System tools? 

Probably the easiest way to get started with Curtain Systems is to choose the Wall tool and then pick “Curtain Wall” as the wall type, from the drop-down list….

The main Curtain System tools can be found on the Modelling Design Bar Menu…

So what is a Curtain System composed of? 

The most important thing to understand about Revit’s Curtain System feature is what constitutes a Curtain System. A Curtain System is made up of 3 basic components

1) A Curtain Panel

To have a Curtain System you need at least one curtain panel. Once you have your basic panel you can then add Curtain Grid Lines to it. This will have the effect of sub-dividing the panel into smaller, individual panels. Each Panel in a System can be different. Panel Types are selected from the drop-down “Type” selector on the Options Bar. Just to reiterate again: You need at least ONE Curtain Panel to form a Curtain System. If you don’t have a panel, what are you going to add your grid lines and mullions to?

Here is a simple length of Curtain Wall. What we actually have here is a single Curtain Panel- ie a Curtain System in it’s most basic form.

2) A Curtain Grid

Curtain Grids are used to sub-divide curtain panels into smaller units. Curtain Grid lines can be added either vertically and horizontally. You can choose where you wish the grid lines to appear. As you place each grid line, new curtain panels are created automatically. You MUST add gridlines if you wish to add mullions to your Curtain System. 

Here you can see that I’ve started to break up my single Curtain Panel by placing Curtain Grid Lines onto it- it’s as simple as selecting “Curtain Grid” from the Modelling Design Bar and then placing your cursor where you wish the grid line to be- and click!

3) Mullions

You can add Mullions to Curtain Grid Lines in order to make your system more realistic. Note however, that you do not “need” to add Mullions- but you probably will end up doing so. It is crucial to remember that you can only place Mullions onto Curtain Grid Lines. So if you need a Mullion to appear in a certain place on your Curtain System, remember to place a Curtain Grid Line (or Segment of a Curtain Grid Line) first.

In the image above you can see that I’ve started to add Mullions to the Grid Lines. Just select Mullions from the Modelling Design Bar and, hover over an appropriate Curtain Grid Line and Click to place!

Just like most other Revit elements, Mullions come in a variety of styles, shapes and profiles. If you select a Mullion that you’ve already placed, you can then choose another type from the drop-down “Type Selector” on the Option Bar.

In the image below you will see that I;ve changed the style of one of the Mullions….

So there you have it- the THREE basic elements of a Curtain System. You MUST have at least one Curtain Panel. You can then stop at this point if you wish.

Or you can go on and add Cutain Grid lines to your panel, which will then automatically subdivide your panel into an appropriate number of smaller Panels. Again, you can stop at this point if you wish to.

Or you can go one step further and add Mullions to your Curtain Grid Lines.

Proceed to Part 2