Ústav stavitelství I

Ing. arch. Ondřej Vápeník, Ph.D.

15123 Ústav stavitelství I

The trend of recent years is the use of a building information model (BIM) in the early design stages. This procedure positively affects the entire life cycle of a building, especially its construction and operation, during which the largest percentage of financial and energy resources are spent. The consumption rate of these resources is directly influenced by the architectural design of the building, from shape solutions to structural and material characteristics of passive systems. One of them is a multilayered external envelope with a ventilated gap, which reduces heat gains during the summer and better accumulates heatfrom solar radiation during the winter. The fact is that the internal climate in the gap is differentfrom the external environment and is influenced mainly by the external temperature, airflow speed, sunlight intensity, material on the external and internal facade and shading from surrounding buildings. The aim of the work is to develop a simulation tool that will lead to a more efficient design of the shape of the building envelope with a ventilated gap. The tool will simulate the impact of solar radiation on the facade at a certain day and hour of the year, shading from surrounding buildings and materials on the external surface and their influence on the temperature course in the ventilated gap. This simulation will run dynamically on the background of the architectural design and will support the decision-making process. This could subsequently lead to savings in the total energy consumed for heating and cooling the building.

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Ing. Aleš Marek, Ph.D.

15123 Ústav stavitelství I

Construction materials reflect not only technological progress but also cultural heritage and environmental adaptation. In Central Europe, the Visegrád Four countries (Czechia, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia) offer a unique case study in the transition from traditional materials such as timber, adobe, and stone to modern, eco-conscious solutions. Understanding this evolution is essential to evaluate how these countries are responding to climate challenges and EU sustainability goals. The aim of this study is to compare the historical and contemporary use of construction materials in the Visegrád Four, and to assess how these choices align with current sustainability practices, including energy efficiency, circular construction, and renewable energy integration. This research is based on qualitative comparative analysis of secondary data, national construction strategies, and case examples of public and private sector projects across the V4 region. Materials were classified chronologically—traditional, modernist/socialist era, and contemporary—highlighting shifts in usage, technological innovation, and ecological performance. Tables and charts were developed to illustrate patterns and trends. The findings show that while traditional materials like timber and brick remain prevalent in rural and heritage contexts, there is a growing adoption of sustainable materials such as cross-laminated timber (CLT), recycled concrete, and prefabricated panels. Czechia and Poland show advanced engagement in green certifications (e.g., BREEAM, LEED), solar integration, and smart glazing systems, while Slovakia and Hungary exhibit a slower, but visible transition. Challenges persist in the form of economic disparities, fragmented policy implementation, and social perception of older building types. The Visegrád Four countries are gradually transitioning toward greener construction practices, balancing historical identity with modern innovation. Material choices play a central role in this shift. Accelerating the adoption of circular and low-carbon materials can strengthen regional compliance with EU directives and contribute to more resilient, energy-efficient architecture. This comparative insight underlines the need for coordinated sustainability strategies tailored to each country’s material legacy and socio-economic context.

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Ing. Aleš Marek, Ph.D., Arch. Paulin Faskel Tchoundie Tchuigwa

15116 Ústav modelového projektování, 15123 Ústav stavitelství I

The Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry has significantly advanced with the development of Building Information Modeling (BIM) software. However, AEC companies continue to face challenges related to interoperability and collaboration due to the heterogeneous nature of software tools. Various alternatives, such as Industry Foundation Classes (IFC), have been employed to address these issues, but their effectiveness remains limited. In current practice, many architecture firms use Rhino 3D for design, while BIM software such as Revit or Archicad is required for documentation and data management. This workflow presents significant limitations in data exchange, as Revit and Archicad often struggle to interpret Rhino models, importing them as direct shape that cannot be modified natively. This paper introduces a Grasshopper script designed to automate the creation of Revit elements such as walls, floors, windows, and doors from Rhino models using Rhino.Inside.Revit (RIR). While RIR allows the direct conversion of Rhino elements into Revit shapes, the proposed script enhances this process by generating native Revit elements from Rhino Brep geometry. The script functions in two key steps: first, it analyses the boundaries of wall elements in Rhino to automatically create Revit levels; second, it examines the boundaries of architectural components (walls, floors, windows, and doors) in Rhino to generate corresponding Revit family types and accurately place these elements in Revit at the exact coordinates from Rhino 3D using RIR nodes. This workflow improves architectural design efficiency and enables architects to maintain better control over their designs by leveraging BIM capabilities such as quantity take-offs and data management. Additionally, the script can function as a live synchronization tool, automatically updating any modifications made to Rhino elements within the Revit environment. Despite its effectiveness, the script has limitations when handling complex architectural geometries, such as double-curved surfaces. Addressing these challenges will be a focus of future research.

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Ing. Aleš Marek, Ph.D., Arch. Romario Baudouin Njiomou Tchuigwa

15123 Ústav stavitelství I

Optimizing the environmental impact of buildings is a major issue in the construction sector. The combination of Building Information Modelling BIM tools and building life cycle assessment (LCA) tools presents a range of potential solutions for optimizing environmental impacts from the architectural design phase onwards. These tools enable architects to significantly reduce the environmental impacts of their designs without requiring extensive expertise in LCA. By integrating building LCA tools such as One Click LCA with BIM tools, designers can assess and minimize carbon emissions throughout the development stages of the building. This integration facilitates calculation and optimization through manual adjustments or by means of algorithms. Despite ongoing improvements in building lifecycle analysis tools, significant concerns persist, namely data management and time required for completion. This article presents a practical approach to reducing the embodied energy of materials in a residential house by combining Autodesk Revit, Dynamo, One Click LCA, and Python. By exploiting the capabilities of the Revit API and the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) results provided by One Click LCA, an interactive method is proposed for identifying, selecting, and applying the least energy-intensive materials in a BIM model. The research is structured in four main parts: firstly, data is extracted from Revit and then analyzed for environmental impacts using One Click LCA; secondly, alternative materials are exported and interpreted using Python; thirdly, the model is updated with the optimized materials; and finally, the results are re-analyzed via One Click LCA and evaluated before and after optimization. The employment of this methodology facilitates digital and automated integration, thereby enabling the achievement of sustainable projects.

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Ing. Aleš Marek, Ph.D., Arch. Romario Baudouin Njiomou Tchuigwa

15123 Ústav stavitelství I

Optimizing thermal comfort in buildings is an increasing priority to address occupant well-being while contributing to sustainability and reducing energy consumption (Alsharif et al. 2021; Rane et al. 2023). Several approaches to thermal comfort have been explored, including optimizing envelope design (Bojic et al. 2013), model predictive control (MPC) for HVAC systems (Carli et al. 10/6/2019), data-driven approaches using machine learning models (Chen et al. 06182021), and statistical methods to integrate thermal comfort into the design of low-energy buildings (Hawila and Merabtine 2021). However, persistent challenges remain major concerns for building professionals. These challenges relate to data transfer, which refers to interoperability between software, data management throughout the building’s lifecycle, and time lost during the project development phase. This article explores an approach to optimizing the thermal performance of building using Dynamo integrated into the BIM software Autodesk Revit and the EN15251 standard (now included in EN16798-1) as a guideline which provides reference parameters for assessing indoor environmental quality. The proposed optimization approach aims to minimize deviations from the comfort temperature and annual thermal loads according to the scenarios. In order to achieve the desired results, we have divided our research into three main stages: firstly, collecting the necessary input data to assess the indoor environmental quality of the building; secondly, modelling the architectural design using the BIM software Autodesk Revit and performing simulations to optimize thermal comfort using Dynamo integrated with Revit; and finally, validating the optimized model by verifying the results according to the standard. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of using Dynamo integrated with Revit to automate analysis, simulation, and optimization cycles from a high-performance design perspective. This approach allows the building to be optimized according to the desired category of thermal conditions while significantly saving considerable time.

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Ing. Aleš Marek, Ph.D., Arch. Romario Baudouin Njiomou Tchuigwa

15123 Ústav stavitelství I

In the building design process, optimizing windows is critical for improving a building's energy efficiency, as it balances the needs for natural lighting, heating, and cooling. Previous studies have explored various factors affecting window performances, including size, orientation, and glazing properties. Several techniques and methods have demonstrated that building envelope characteristics, such as the window-to-wall ratio and shading devices, significantly impact natural lighting and energy consumption. However, with the rapid technological advancements in the construction industry, one persistent challenge remains the need to save time in the design process. This article explores a parametric method for optimizing window surface areas in a residential house project using Dynamo and Python within a Revit environment. The goal is to ensure that each room achieves a target level of natural illuminance expressed in lux, while meeting energy efficiency and aesthetic requirements. This approach is based on precise calculations aligned with lighting standards and automation using Dynamo and Python. Initially, we manually calculated the window areas required to meet the target illuminance levels for each room. This was followed by a parametric method, which began with the creation of shared parameters linked to the windows in a pre-designed 3D architectural model and the development of Dynamo scripts to calculate room and window areas in the base model. Subsequently, we developed scripts using Dynamo and Python within Revit to calculate the required window opening areas to achieve the target illuminance level and adjust the window dimensions accordingly. Finally, we compared the manual and parametric approaches. The results of this research provide a streamlined and efficient solution for window optimization during building design, ensuring compliance with lighting standards while enhancing energy performance.

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Ing. Aleš Marek, Ph.D., Arch. Romario Baudouin Njiomou Tchuigwa

15123 Ústav stavitelství I

Today, the production of sustainable buildings has become one of the main objectives of the construction industry. This direction aims to meet the increasing demand for construction while minimizing harmful impacts on the environment, thus contributing to sustainable development. The indoor environment of sustainable buildings, influenced by various parameters such as lighting, air quality, thermal comfort, and materials used is of paramount importance. This environment requires in-depth research to effectively meet the needs of occupants, thereby ensuring their comfort and well-being. The quantity of light and the natural ventilation flow are therefore essential elements to consider in the architectural design process of buildings. This study explores a computational approach using a workflow between Revit, Dynamo, et Python to assess illuminance levels and airflow efficiency in a small house. To achieve this, our research is divided into three phases: firstly, creation of 3D model in Revit; secondly, extraction of geometrical and environmental data and thirdly, computation of radiation-based illuminance calculations and estimation of natural airflow rates based on simplified Bernoulli equations using Dynamo and Python. The results of this research provide actionable insights into illuminance exposure and ventilation rates for each room, enabling data-driven decision-making for architects during the design process. This approach establishes a workflow that eliminates the need for external simulation software by leveraging BIM's built-in calculation tools. The results demonstrate the method's effectiveness in analyzing early design stages.

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Ing. arch. Ondřej Vápeník, Ph.D.

15123 Ústav stavitelství I

Závěrečná zpráva dokumentuje návrh a koordinaci novostavby atletické tribuny a stadionu Praha Děkanka jako součást širší revitalizace sportovního areálu Spartak Praha 4. Projekt je příkladem komplexního využití metodiky BIM (Building Information Modeling) ve všech fázích projektování – od sběru dat přes návrh až po tvorbu výkazů a rozpočtů. Důraz byl kladen na interoperabilitu mezi softwarovými platformami (ArchiCAD, Tekla Structures, Revit MEP), zavedení datových standardů a řízení verzí ve společném datovém prostředí. Tato zpráva navazuje na projekt evidovaný v Registru uměleckých výstupů (RUV) a rozvíjí jeho metodologické i praktické závěry. Projekt zároveň přispívá k rozvoji národní metodiky implementace BIM ve veřejných zakázkách.

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Mgr. Jan Zikmund, Ph.D., PhDr. Benjamin Fragner, Mgr. Lukáš Beran, Ph.D., Mgr. Irena Lehkoživová, Ph.D., Mgr. Jakub Potůček

15123 Ústav stavitelství I, 15113 Ústav teorie a dějin architektury

Budovy telefonních ústředen dnes představují jednu z nejohroženějších skupin průmyslového dědictví. Expertně navrhované stavby v sobě ukrývaly objemná elektromechanická zařízení a zároveň vyjadřovaly technický pokrok a společenský význam veřejné telekomunikační sítě. Analogové systémy však byly záhy nahrazeny digitálními, nevyžadujícími již velké prostory ani lidskou obsluhu. Jejich budovy tak ztratily svůj smysl a mizí v rukou nových vlastníků. Kniha přináší přehled technologického, typologického a architektonického vývoje těchto staveb v Československu, věnuje se společenským a politickým souvislostem jejich vzniku i jejich autorům. Publikace vznikla jako součást projektu Průmyslová architektura druhé poloviny 20. století: Extenze, transformace a identita (DH23P03OVV016) v programu na podporu aplikovaného výzkumu v oblasti národní a kulturní identity NAKI III.

Detail

Ing. arch. Ondřej Vápeník, Ph.D.

15123 Ústav stavitelství I

The trend of recent years is the use of a building information model (BIM) in the early design stages. This procedure positively affects the entire life cycle of a building, especially its construction and operation, during which the largest percentage of financial and energy resources are spent. The consumption rate of these resources is directly influenced by the architectural design of the building, from shape solutions to structural and material characteristics of passive systems. One of them is a multilayered external envelope with a ventilated gap, which reduces heat gains during the summer and better accumulates heat from solar radiation during the winter. The fact is that the internal climate in the gap is different from the external environment and is influenced mainly by the external temperature, air flow speed, sunlight intensity, material on the external and internal facade and shading from surrounding buildings. The aim of the work is to develop a simulation tool that will lead to a more efficient design of the shape of the building envelope with a ventilated gap. The tool will simulate the impact of solar radiation on the facade at a certain day and hour of the year, shading from surrounding buildings and materials on the external surface and their influence on the temperature course in the ventilated gap. This simulation will run dynamically on the background of the architectural design and will support the decision-making process. This could subsequently lead to savings in the total energy consumed for heating and cooling the building.

Detail