Facade and Cladding Takeoff
Facade and cladding takeoffs are one of the areas where Sparkel's shapes capability offers the most value. Facade elements in BIM models are frequently unreliable — panels are modelled generically, joints and reveals aren't captured, and the geometry rarely matches what actually gets ordered. Shapes let you measure exactly what you need, directly from the model geometry or from PDF drawings.
What you're typically measuring
Facade panel area — m², split by panel type, material, or elevation
Window and door openings — m² or pcs (to subtract from panel area or order separately)
Cladding rails and substructure — m or pcs
Sealant and joint length — m
Insulation — m²
Flashings and trims — m
Approach 1: Link facade elements from BIM
If the model contains well-defined facade elements, start by linking them. Use dynamic linking to filter on:
IfcCurtainWallorIfcWallwith external classificationMaterial name — filter on panel type, e.g. "Fiber cement", "Aluminium cladding"
Elevation or orientation — if the model has this as a property
After linking, verify the quantities visually. The viewer will highlight exactly which elements are included, making it easy to spot missing panels or incorrect inclusions.
Approach 2: Draw shapes over the facade geometry
For most facade takeoffs, shapes give you better control than linking. The workflow:
Isolate the facade in the viewer by hiding other elements.
Select the shape drawing tool and draw polygons or rectangles over each facade zone.
Each shape appears immediately in the quantity table with its area calculated.
Name shapes clearly — for example, "West elevation — panel zone A" — so the table is easy to read.
This approach lets you define zones exactly as they'll be ordered — for example, matching supplier panel dimensions or separating areas by access scaffold zone.
Handling openings
Draw a shape over each window or door opening and link it to a separate "Deductions" item, or subtract it directly from the facade area item. Shapes support both additive and subtractive quantities, giving you a net facade area that matches what goes on the order.
Combining BIM and PDF
If the BIM model doesn't contain accurate facade geometry, switch to the PDF workflow. Upload the elevation drawings, draw shapes on the 2D facade elevations, and Sparkel will calculate areas using the drawing scale. The output feeds into the same quantity table as the 3D work. See Shapes for full details on working in both 2D and 3D.
Sending to the facade supplier
Facade suppliers often need quantities split by panel type, elevation, and zone. Structure your items to match this before sending. Then publish the takeoff to your supplier and use the communication thread to share drawings and clarify specifications without leaving Sparkel.