Advantages of Mixed-Use Projects
Mixed-use projects in cove.tool differ from single-use projects in several ways. A mixed-use project can include up to 3 building templates within a single cove.tool project. The key to setting up a mixed-use project is identifying where the building transitions to a new function requiring distinct inputs for different spaces. Consider the advantages of mixed-use projects in the following scenarios:
Different Mechanical Strategies: For instance, a hospital with office spaces might need two separate HVAC systems to meet the distinct needs of each area.
Different Envelope Properties: Common in urban commercial buildings, where retail spaces on the ground floor use extensive glazing, and upper floors feature air-tight wall assemblies, necessitating unique specifications for each.
Different Schedules: A sports arena with regularly used office spaces and an infrequently used stadium requires separate energy models. The stadium's occasional use significantly impacts the overall Energy Use Intensity (EUI), highlighting the need for tailored operational schedules.
How to make a Mixed-Use Project
I. Set up a new project and enter the Project Address
The initial two steps of setting up a mixed-use project mirror those of a single-use project. First, start a new project by entering a Project Name and, if desired, a Project Number. Then, select your preferred measurement system.
Following this, for step 2, input your Project Address using either the street address or the project's geo-coordinates.
II. Select Building Types (maximum 3)
You can select up to any 3 building types to be the template for your mixed-use project.
III. Uploading Geometry
To move on to 3D analysis from the Building Geometry page, you must upload geometry for each selected use type. The minimum required geometry views or layers for each use type include Exterior Walls, Roofs, Floors, and Windows. If your building lacks geometry in any of these categories, you can fulfill the requirement by drawing and uploading a 1ft x 1ft element in the view or layer where geometry is missing.
To learn about the workflows specific to your cove.tool plugin, please refer to the detailed documentation provided below:
Guidelines to split geometry for a mixed-use project
Establish a distinct boundary for each use type and separate the geometry according to the thermal boundary associated with that use type.
Include shared walls in the interior walls or shading devices views/layers to reflect the adiabatic relationship between the two spaces.
For use types that differ vertically, the floor slab should be assigned to the use type above. The lower use type should not have a designated roof. To fulfill the required roof category for the lower use type, use the process described earlier.
For geometry that spans multiple use types, split or redraw that element and then assign it to the appropriate cove.tool view or layer.
Mixed-Use Project on the Building Geometry Page
To simplify the process of assigning assemblies and to navigate the model, the building geometry page provides a feature that enables you to toggle the visibility of each use type.
