Space Frame Generator
Structural shell grids and space-truss systems from any surface — mass, roof, floor or generic model.
Generate panel
What it does
The most configurable generator in the suite: 16 grid topologies, member profiles, optional joint spheres and glazing infill, previewed live as real solids on the real surface.
Feature by feature
Capabilities
16 surface patterns
Quad Grid, Triangular Grid, Hex Pattern, Space Frame (double layer), Diamond Grid, Kagome, Islamic Star, Voronoi, Cross / X-Brace, Herringbone, Radial Fan, Ribbed Dome, Schwedler Dome, Lamella, Geodesic and Three-Way Grid.
U / V divisions
Independent grid density (1–50 each), with a uniform reference spacing computed across a multi-surface selection so divisions stay consistent.
Layer offset (mm)
Double-layer truss depth, shown only for the Space Frame pattern.
Member profile
Rectangular (Width / Depth in mm) or circular pipe (Radius in mm), plus a normal-direction Offset (mm).
MERO nodes
Optional spheres at member joints with a Node Radius (mm).
Glazing / panels
Optional cell infill with a Panel Thickness (mm) — triangular panels for triangular and hex grids, quads otherwise.
Material
Dropdown of any document material, applied to members, nodes and panels.
Trimmed faces & openings
The grid covers the UV bounds then clips to the real boundary; members are de-duplicated and edge-clipped identically in preview and final output.
Saved presets
Name, save, rename and delete reusable configurations, persisted as JSON.
Live preview & safety cap
DirectContext3D preview of the real solids, debounced at 320 ms, with a 4,000-members-per-face cap that warns before it builds too much.
Output
DirectShape members, nodes and panels, grouped into a model group on close. Multi-surface selection supported.
Related tools
More in the Generate panel
Geometric void and solid patterns on straight, curved and freeform host faces.
External profile fins laid along a face’s UV, with motion that varies across the surface.
Kinetic-facade panels that respond to a driver such as sun angle.
Apply coordinated colour schemes to views and view templates.
Turn an image into a mosaic of Revit elements.
Find and bulk-select elements by their parameters.