Lesson 5

Residential Project: EXTERIOR ELEVATIONS

In this lesson you will draw the exterior elevations based on the floor plans previously
drawn. You will also take a look at a few new commands and tools like GRIP editing.

Introduction:
When designing a residence, one needs to be sensitive to the massing and proportions of
each elevation and the various elements within. The exterior elevations are the drawings used
to develop the outward aesthetic of the structure. Too often this is not given enough
thought and time, thus resulting in harsh, unappealing homes with vast amounts of siding
and awkwardly sized and positioned windows.

In this section you will look at blocking out the exterior elevations based on information
previously drawn in the floor plans. The vertical dimensions will be given to you (which will
also be used to draw your sections).

You will start a new drawing to draw all four elevations in. Each elevation will align
horizontally, which aids in aligning windows, doors, roof edges, etc.

South Elevation (Figure 5-1.1):

1. Create a new drawing named Exterior Elevations.dwg.

2. Create Lqyer G-Detl-Medm (color Green), and set it Current.

First you will draw the outline for the garage.

3. Looking at your printed out and dimensioned floor plans (on page 4-6), notice that
the garage is 28'-0" wide.

4. Draw a horizontal line 28'-0" long.

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Residential Design Using AutoCAD 2016

5. Draw a vertical line 9' -61jz" tall at each end of the horizontal line previously drawn
(Figure 5-1.3).

FIGURE 5-1.1 Completed South Elevation to be drawn in this lesson

FIGURE 5-1.2 Outline of South Elevation to be drawn in this exercise

FIGURE 5-1.3 Garage elevation; fIrst three lines

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 Residential Project: EXTERIOR ELEVATIONS

Next you will draw the angled line representing the sloped roof edge. This roof has an 8/12
pitch. That means that for every 12" horizontally, the roof drops (or rises) 8".
,----------------------
The easiest way to draw this line is to draw temporary lines per 1
1
the description above and then draw an angled line that 1
1
1
connects the dots; you will do this in the following steps:

6. At the top of the vertical line on the left, draw a

horizontal line 12" long towards the right (Figure 5-
1.4).
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ______ 1
7. Now draw a vertical line 8" long (Figure 5-1.4).
FIGURE 5-1.4
Temporary lines used to
create roof edge Oeft side)

8. Draw the angled line using the endpoints of the ---------------------~

1
temporary lines as snap points (Figure 5-1.5). 1

9. Erase the temporary lines (Figure 5-1.6). FIGURE 5-1.5

~!
---------------------- 1

Angled line drawn using

10. Mirror the angled line, using the Midpoint of the OSNAPs
28'-0" horizontal line (Figure 5-1.7).

(
FIGURE 5-1.6
Temporary lines erased

FIGURE 5-1.7 Garage elevation; angled line mirrored

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Residential Design Using AutoCAD 2016

You will now use the Fillet command to extend the two angled lines up to the peak.

11. Select the Fillet command. Make sure the Radius is set to 0", and then select the two
angled lines (Figure 5-1.8).

FIGURE 5-1.8 Garage elevation; roof line completed

N ext you will Offset your two vertical lines

inward. These lines will represent the
vertical trim boards that the siding ties
into.

12. Offset the two vertical lines 51f2"

inward (Figure 5-1.9).

13. Use the Extend command to

extend the trim lines up to the
angled lines.

FIGURE 5-1.9 Garage elevation; corner trim

14. Offset the two roof lines outward 101f2" (Figure 5-1.10).

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 Residential Project: EXTERIOR ELEVATIONS

FIGURE 5-1.10 Garage elevation; fascia lines

15. Fillet the two new lines to form the ridge at the top.

Next you will develop the overhang. It is sometimes helpful to sketch the roof edge detail
(you will draft it later in this book) so you can draw it correctly and not have to go back and
tweak the elevations later. Figure 5-1.11 is our sketch, showing a total of 101/2" for the fascia
and ai' -0" overhang.

Then you will draw the roof edge in your elevation.

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Residential Design Using AutoCAD 2016

ROOF TRUSS

OVERHANG

FIGURE 5-1.11 Typical Roof edge; similar condition at garage

16. Draw the roof edge profile as shown in Figure 5-1.12.

a. Draw the temporary line (shown dashed in Figure 5-1.12) and Offset it down
5%", and then delete the temporary line.
b. Make sure you use ORTHO or Polar Tracking to assure horizontal and vertical
lines.

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 Residential Project: EXTERIOR ELEVATIONS

Use· the Fillet

command to clean
up this corner
Start by drawing this temp.
line (shown dashed) and
Offsetit down 5%"

- - - -
r
- - - --£------t-----'''k-

FIGURE 5-1.12 Typical Roof edge proftle

17. Use the Mirror command to mirror the roof edge to the other side of the garage.

This completes the outline of the garage. Next you will work on the house.

Referring to your dimensioned plans (or page 4-7), notice the overall dimension is 76'-0" and
the garage takes up 28'-0" of that dimension. So the remaining portion to be drawn is 48'-0".

18. Draw a line 48'-0" to the right (Figure 5-1.13).

The flrst floor of the house is higher than the garage floor (to keep the snowmelt from
getting into the house for us northerners!), so you need to move this line up; recall the steps
drawn in Task 4-5(page 4-62).

19. Move the 48'-0" line up 1'-4" (Figure 5-1.14).

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Residential Design Using AutoCAD 2016

..l ..l
FIGURE 5-1.13 48'-0" line drawn to the right

FIGURE 5-1.1448'-0" line moved up 1'-4"

20. Draw two vertical lines 19'·1%" long and 32'·0" apart; note the two story portion of
the building is 32'-0" wide on your dimensioned plans.

FIGURE 5-1.15 Vertical lines 32'-0" apart; 19'-1 %" long lines

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 Residential Project: EXTERIOR ELEVATIONS

21. The vertical trim, roof edge and pitch are the same as the garage, so follow the same
steps to complete the roof as shown in Figure 5-1.16.

FIGURE 5-1.16 Roof outline added to two story portion of house

22. Offset the first floor line 12'-5 9/16" up to establish the ridge line; extend and trim
as required (Figure 5-1.17).

TIP: Knowing the building is 20 '-0 " wide below the portion of roofin question, you could draw a
section through this area to calculate the height ofthe ridge line (this roof and the porch onlY have a
4/12 pitch).

~
\
\
,I

I
I
I

FIGURE 5-1.17 South Elevation; added roof ridge line

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Residential Design Using AutoCAD 2016

Taking a look back at Figure 5-1.2 you will notice that the fascia of the porch roof aligns
with the garage roof. Therefore you can draw horizontal lines extending from the endpoints
of the garage roof edge.

23. Draw two horizontal lines as shown in Figure 5-1.18; the length does not matter at
this time.

FIGURE 5-1.18 South Elevation

24. Draw an 8'-6" line as shown in Figure 5-1.19.

8'-6"

FIGURE 5-1.19 South Elevation

25. At the edge of the 8'-6" line just drawn, you will draw one of the porch columns per
the dimensions shown in Figure 5-1.20.

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 Residential Project: EXTERIOR ELEVATIONS

l
$J

FIGURE 5-1.20 South Elevation; porch column

26. Using the same roof edge profile, draw the porch roof with a 4/12 pitch as shown in
Figure 5-1.21. Extend the sloped roof line up to the face of the building as shown.

27. Draw the horizontal line where the porch roof meets the wall, and then trim the
vertical lines to the new horizontal line as shown in Figure 5-1.22.

28. Draw the rest of the columns; locate them using the floor plan dimension previously
provided (or use Xref, described next).

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Residential Design Using AutoCAD 2016

FIGURE 5-1.21 South Elevation; porch roof

......... v.·. '.c·.•.

T.:.nm.··:' c.,.·. .al
. .·.•·. l. iri·
. . ·. e. . . s. •,..•.. '.·•.
'toJlO~ontaUit1e>,c .
r.....
t1 ·,.
.....
··

DrawthehorizontaI lirie
fr9tntheendpoirit ·of
theslopedlirie.

FIGURE 5-1.22 South Elevation; porch roof

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 Residential Project: EXTERIOR ELEVATIONS

External References:
We will digress for a moment and take a look at External References. Basically, this is a way to
bring another drawing into the current drawing. AutoCAD remembers where the flie is
located on the computer's hard drive and reloads it every time the drawing is opened. This
saves disk space and assures the referenced drawing stays current.

You will use DWG Reference (Xref) to bring in a floor plan so you can project lines off of it,
which can speed the elevation process. When you are done you will use the External References
palette to detach the drawing.

29. In the exterior elevations.dwg flie select the Attach icon from the [~S~
Insert tab (Reference panel). Attach

30. Browse to the location of your flr1.dwg flie and then select Open (Figure 5-1.23).
a. Make sure Files ofTjpe is set to All files (*.*) or Drawing (*.dwg).

II Select Reference File

FIGURE 5-1.23 Insert External Reference (browse)

31. Next, check Specify On-screen under Insertion Point (if not already checked) and
then click OK (Figure 5-1.24).

32. Pick a point to the upper left of your elevation for an insertion point.

33. Rotate, and Move if needed, the floor per Figure 5-1.25.

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Residential Design Using AutoCAD 2016

34. You can now use the floor plan and elevation to project temporary lines to quickly
block out the new elevation (West).

FIGURE 5-1.24 Insert External Reference dialog

'y
1:l

...
-I..

.,.
1> ~

,0-,

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r + - - - - - - - + - - - - - - - - , ----i------------------------------------------------------------------------------

:
!

"------~_ _ ____.lJ ____________________ ~_ _ ____.lI======l£~======::::::::::=='====:::::.':==::'.J

FIGURE 5-1.25 Inserted External Reference; rotated f1rl drawing

When you are finished using the External Reference (Xref) you can easily detach it from your
drawing.

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 Residential Project: EXTERIOR ELEVATIONS

35. Select External Reference link from the Inserl tab - the arrow to the
right of the Reference panel title (or type XR and Enter).

36. Right-click on Flr1 under Reference Name and then

click Detach from the context menu (Figures 5-
1.26A and B).

It is also possible to select Unload (Figure 5-1.26B) rather

than Detach. This gives you the ability to Reload the Xref
whenever you want without having to pick the insertion
point again. This keeps the Xref in the same location
making alignment automatic.

FIGURE 5-1.26B
Finishing the Exterior Elevation External Reference Palette; right-click

Outlines:
You should now have enough information to complete the outlines of the remaining
exterior elevations.

37. Using the dimensions from the floor plans and the portion of elevation previously
drawn, complete the outline of the four elevations per Figures 5-1.27, 5-1.28, 5-1.29
and 5-1.30.

38. Save your drawing.

TIP: You can find more information on how to draw the dormer-type roof, shown with dashed lines) I:J
looking at Figure 5-1.29. Do NOT draw the lines dashed.

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Residential Design Using AutoCAD 2016

II
II
II
II
II

II
II
II
t
o II
I II
N II

FIGURE 5-1.27 South elevation

11-0 11
l

11-01l~

FIGURE 5-1.28 West elevation

....r

$oiJthelevdtlon

FIGURE 5-1.29 East elevation

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 Residential Project: EXTERIOR ELEVATIONS

·.EINDTFlE MISSING ELEMENT!

Comparing this elevation with the floor plan and other elevations, fmd the portion of elevation
that is missing from Figure 5-1.30; add it to your elevation to correct the problem.
When drawing elevations, you need to thoroughly scan the plans and elevations to make sure you
get everything. See Figure 5-2.7c for an image with missing elements.

FIGURE 5-1.30 North elevation

Image courte.ry ofAnderson Architects

Alan H. Anderson, Architect, Duluth, MN
Interior Design, Steven W Sanborn, A.LA., Santa Rosa, CA

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Residential Design Using AutoCAD 2016

In this section you will add the windows to the exterior elevations. You will also study the
Block feature a little more.

Drawings the Windows:

First, you will draw each window type in a separate drawing, similar to the drawing
completed in Exercise 3-3. This method will allow you to place each drawing (of the
windows) as a Block.

1. Start a new drawing.

2. On Layer 0 (zero), draw the window shown in Figure 5-2.1. Set the bottom middle
as the Origin (i.e., 0,0).

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eq. eq, eq.

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Carter Residence Image courte!) of LHB
www.LHBcorp.com

FIGURE 5-2.1 Window-l drawing

5-18
 Residential Project: EXTERIOR ELEVATIONS

3. Save the window drawing as Window-l.dwg.

4. Save-As to a drawing named Window-2.dwg.

5. Create the window shown in Figure 5-2.2.

NOTE: It is the same size as the window previouslY drawn so you can copy it over to create the
second window.

FIGURE 5-2.2 Window-2 drawing

6. Save your drawing (as Window-2.dwg).

The third window type is similar to Window-2 except taller. The next steps will have you
save a copy and stretch the window to the correct size.

7. Save-As to a drawing named Window-3.dwg.

8. Use the Stretch command to quickly create the window shown in Figure 5-2.3.

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Residential Design Using AutoCAD 2016

6 -8"
1

11

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,

V
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If)

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FIGURE 5-2.3 Window-3 drawing

9. Save your drawing.

10. Save-As to a drawing named Window-4.dwg.

11. Erase one of the windows and use Fillet to create the window shown in
Figure 5-2.4.

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 Residential Project: EXTERIOR ELEVATIONS

You may recall from Exercise 3-3 that the

vertical lines in the upper sash were more It
detailed in that you drew two lines, whereas 1 1
here you only drew one.

Detail such as this is either added or

removed depending on .what scale the
drawing will be printed at. Lower detail, like
the window to the right, is more
appropriate for smaller scale prints, such as
yg" = 1'-0" or 1/4" = l' -0". Higher detail
would be better on larger scale details, like
1/z" = 1'-0" or 3/4" = 1'-0". ,
I'
Too much detail on a smaller scale print IJJ
usually produces a drawing where the lines
run together, creating what looks like one
really heavy line.
~
.--!
N ow that you have created the various c0
window types, you will insert them into the
exterior elevations the same way you
inserted the door symbols into the floor
plans. ,,
FIGURE 5-2.4 Wmdow-4 drawmg

12. Open the Exterior Elevations drawing.

13. Create a new Layer named Windows and set it to color Yellow, you will place the
window Blocks on this Layer.

14. Click Insert and then More Options in the Block panel via the Insert tab.

15. Browse to the location where you saved the Window-l drawing.

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Residential Design Using AutoCAD 2016

16. Insert the Window-l Block into the location shown in Figure 5-2.5, noting the
following:
a. The dimension shown is from the garage floor to the window sill.
b. The horizontal dimension is to be derived from the plans; make sure you use
the center of the window as a snap point if you are using an Xref'ed floor plan
to locate the windows.

FIGURE 5-2.5 Window-l block inserted - North elevation (garage area)

Once a Block (an external drawing in this case) has been inserted into your drawing, you can
copy it around to additional locations; you do not have to use the Insert command every
time.

17. Insert instances ofWindow-l, Window-2, Window-3 and Window-4 as Blocks per
Figure 5-2.6.
a. Do not worry about the windows overlapping the porch roof and columns
right now; you will adjust this later.
b. Make sure you insert the window Blocks on the Lqyer named Windows.

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 Residential Project: EXTERIOR ELEVATIONS

FIGURE 5-2.6 Window blocks inserted - South elevation

18. Using the sill-height dimensions and procedures previously described, insert the
remaining windows based on the window locations shown in the plan (Figures 5-
2.7 A, B and c).

Align top o~~dow-t

with top of window-:-3
here; window- lis over
the.cabinet:s'in the
kitcheriarea.

II II

FIGURE 5-2.7A Window blocks inserted - West elevation

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Residential Design Using AutoCAD 2016

, L

[DJ or ill ITO

IIlll!Illl
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r-

r=
II =II ill 1L
= ;:::

... ...
'---

-
-
-
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... ... ...
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FIGURE 5-2.7B Window blocks inserted - East elevation

FIGURE 5-2.7c Window blocks inserted - North elevation

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 Residential Project: EXTERIOR ELEVATIONS

Advantages of using Blocks:

In addition to the window being one object when it is a Block, which is easy to pick and
move around, you can also make changes which instantly apply to all instances of the block
in a particular drawing.

N ext you will modify the Block by adding trim, which is part of the siding. You will do this
before adjusting the windows that are behind the porch roof and columns.

. . •. . . .::. . :~.\.-.:. ;;' ::.::' ;":."..": ":'. :. . >~;>:;:-. :-.:. <":"::. "::. : ':-. >.>:/-:..,-"._" ..~;":' -,",::.< ..:-. ...:. : .... :. . . :: .:.....'~-..:.-.:>. '. ".:.,>.-...
~' :.""; :-':"..,." :'-.".><";".-. :..... '.....~:.: ............. ....... :' :.'. :'..... ' .. ,.

.~f~~~~~f}!,(*~'F~ij9tlldl.ls~. .~ •.bI()ck.':fhis·ttl~kes··. the.<1tawirig~i~~·$ttl~er 'and any change~.•·1l1uch

qqi,~k(}t:/' " . .' ." . . .

19. Open each of the four window type drawings and add a 5" wide trim board to
three sides and extend the sill lines as shown in Figure 5-2.8.

ITIJ ITIJ ITIJ [OJ [OJ [OJ

I
II I II

FIGURE 5-2.8 Revised windows (siding trim added)

20. Save each of the four window type drawings (Window-1.dwg, Window-2.dwg,
Window-3.dwg, and Window-4.dwg).

21. In the Exterior Elevations drawing, Zoom In on the south elevation.

Notice the window elevations are as they were when you originally inserted them. After the
next step they will all automatically update.

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Residential Design Using AutoCAD 2016

22. Per steps previously outlined (starting with step 14), insert the four window types
again; note the following:
a. When you are prompted to redefine the Block, click Redefine Block (Figure 5-
2.9).
b. When you are at the final stage, where you are prompted to pick a point on the
screen to insert the Block, you can press the Esc key; this cancels the insert, but
not before updating the block defmition in the current drawing.
c. Or, you can insert the window Blocks off to one side and delete them.

"Window-4" is already defined as a block in this

drawing, would you like to redefine this block
reference?

There are 1 instances of "Window-4" in this drawing

,. Redefine block
All instances of thrs blocK will be updated.

,~ Don't redefine "Window-4"

No changes will be made to the block or drawing.

FIGURE 5-2.9 Re-defrne block prompt

You should review the south elevation again; notice the windows have been all updated
automatically (Figure 5-2.10)! The other three elevations are updated also (because all
elevations are in the same drawing file). This feature can save a lot of time.

FIGURE 5-2.10 Re-defined blocks in South elevation

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 Residential Project: EXTERIOR ELEVATIONS

Exploding Blocks:
The Explode command allows you to reduce a Block to its basic components (i.e., lines, arcs,
text, etc.). Only the Blocks selected are exploded. And, even if you Explode all the instances
of a particular Block in a drawing, the defmition of the Block will still exist in the drawing; this
allows you to insert the Block without having to browse to the original drawing on your hard
drive (i.e., C: drive).

Next you will Explode the Blocks at the porch and trim the portion of window covered by
the porch roof and columns.

23. Select the Explode icon from the Modify paneL

24. Select the two windows on the south elevation and the two windows on the east
elevation that are covered by the porch roof.

The four windows are now exploded to their original lines. Next you will trim the windows
so you only see the lines that are not obstructed from sight by another building element.

25. Trim and Erase the window lines as shown in Figures 5-2.11 and 5-2.12.

FIGURE 5-2.11 Exploded windows (original lines trimmed and erased); East elevation

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Residential Design Using AutoCAD 2016

FIGURE 5-2.12 Exploded windows (original lines trimmed and erased); South elevation

After exploding the Blocks you should have noticed that the lines changed color (from Yellow
to White). If you recall, you created the window on Layer 0 in the original drawings and
placed the window Blocks on the Windows layer in the 'Exterior Elevations' drawing. When a
Block is exploded, you get the original line-work on the original Layers.

So, to clean house, you need to move the exploded window lines to the Windows layer.

26. Revise the drawing so the exploded windows are on the Windows layer.

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 Residential Project: EXTERIOR ELEVATIONS

In this exercise you will add exterior doors to your plans. In the process you will take a quick
look at using a feature called "Grip Edit."

1. Open the exterior elevations.dwg drawing file.

2. Create a new Layer named Doors; set the color to Green.

The elevations, as a whole, do not have more than two instances of any door; plus two of
the doors need to be trimmed because they are behind other architectural elements.

Thus it is not beneficial, in this case, to create blocks of each door. So you will draw each
door type in-place and then copy the entities to the second location (if applicable).

3. On the Doors layer, draw the door shown in Figure 5-3.1 on the east elevation.

The door/ frame elevation shown in Figure 5-3.1 represents two doors that are mostly glass
and a glass transom above the doors that aligns with the tall windows on either side (not
shown in Figure 5-3.1).

6'-0"
1't 1't
I~~ ".... -J
.r
~J
r
4"~ i;) 6" 2'-0"

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r---
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QJ
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FIGURE 5-3.1 Door elevation; East elevation

5-29
Residential Design Using AutoCAD 2016

Notice that the double doors you just drew correspond to the double doors you drew in the
flrst floor plan.

4. Draw the portion of door shown in Figure 5-3.2 on the west elevation (door into
garage); you will draw more of the door in subsequent steps.

I
I

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~
5"
::.., ~"1
~r

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FIGURE 5-3.2 Partial door elevation; West elevation

RESIDENTIAL DOOR SIZES

Doors come in many shapes. and sizes.

THICKNESS: 1%", 13J/' and 2114"

The ·1 % /I door is most rften used in residential construction and the 21J4/1 door is fYpicalIY onlY used on exterior
doors for high:..endpro/ects) i.e.) big budget.

SIZE: ranges from 1'-0" x ·6' -8" to4'~0" x '0"

The beight ojtlresidential door is usuallY 6 '-8~~ This writer recentfyworked ona pro/ect where 7 '-0 "high doors
were specified.. The contractor was so used to· the standard 6'-8" dimension. heframed all the·.exterior openings. at
6 '.:.8'~ To top it off, the exterior walls were concrete (ICF -9stem)) so the openings could not be modified. Thus) 6 '-
8 /I doors were used.

Youean find more information on the internet; two examples are

algomahardwoods.com and madawaska-doors.com
(wood veneer doormfr.) (custom solid wood door mfr.)

5-30
 Residential Project: EXTERIOR ELEVATIONS

NOTE: Do notjump ahead here;follow the nextfew steps closelY!

5. Using the Offset command, offset the previously drawn lines inward, as shown in
Figure 5-3.3.

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~n~
~
~-T--~~--~~

=
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,
I

,
~~'---r r-+--+--+-~-1
:::

f
;:-,
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FIGURE 5-3.3 Door elevation with lines offset; West elevation

Using the Grip Edit Feature:

N ext you will use the Grip Edit feature to modify the lines to represent the window in the
door panel.

Grip Edit allows you to modify lines without having to activate a command flrst. Basically
you select a line, then select one or more of the visible Grips and then reposition the Grzps by
selecting another point.

6. Without any commands active, select the horizontal line shown in Figure 5-3.4.

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Residential Design Using AutoCAD 2016

Select this line for editing;

notice when it is selected the

• / Grips are visible

I~-- -----
I
--.- li-- ,
---
.
~

"""-r (Step 7) Select this Grip

FIGURE 5-3.4 Line selected for editing; West elevation

7. Select the Grip on the right; simply click the mouse button with the cursor over the
Grip. Do not drag the mouse button (Figure 5-3.4).

8. Move the mouse to the left. Using OSNAPs, select either Perpendicular or Intersection
of the vertical line shown in Figures 5-3.5a and 5-3.5b.

I
I

--------.----- --- -- ---- 1---

FIGURE 5-3.5A Perpendicular snap FIGURE S-3.SB Relocated snap

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 Residential Project: EXTERIOR ELEVATIONS

9. Finally, press the Esc (i.e., Escape) key, on the keyboard, to clear the Grips (and
unselect the horizontal line).

Essentially, you just trimmed a line without using the Trim command.

10. Using the same technique just described, modify the lines using Grips to look like
Figure 5-3.6.

AutoCAD also allows you to select more than

one Grip at a time. You will try this next to adjust
the bottom of the (4) vertical lines.

11. Select the (4) vertical lines; you can click

each line individually or use a Crossing
Window (by clicking right to left).

12. Holding the Shift key, click each of the

lower Grips on the (4) vertical lines; the
selected Grips will turn red.

13. Releasing the Shift key, click the lower

right Grip.

REMEMBER: Do not drag the mouse; i.e.} do not

hold the mouse button down continuouslY (Figure 5-
3.7).

14. Moving the mouse straight up, use the

Endpoint OSNAP to accurately select the
FIGURE 5-3.6
lower horizontal line. Lines modified with grips

Your door is now complete and should look like Figure 5-3.8.

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Residential Design Using AutoCAD 2016

Ghost lines
following cross-
hairs
Cross-hair lines

FIGURE 5-3.7 Modifying multiple grips at once

ffiJ
FIGURE 5-3.8 Completed door elevation

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 Residential Project: EXTERIOR ELEVATIONS

Before moving on, here are a few additional rp-~~-------------------------,---------------------------------1

ii r----------------------------------------------1 ii
comments on the Grip Edit command that you iI iI
may want to investigate further on your own. i ;·-----------I,I,--------r-------l I
I I
o You select the middle Grip to move the
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I Repellt ERASE
(Figure 5-3.9) I
o The Grip that is selected is, by default, the
base point for the Mirror command.
I
1-'-
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iP~ Copy Selection
15. Copy the door just created to the other Ig -&ale------ --~
two locations (per the floor plans); also 1 0 Rotate
i
make sure the doors are placed in the
correct floor elevation. (See Figures
--'--'-------11 Draw Order
Group

,Cob Add Selected

5-3.10 and 5-3.11.) I~ Select Similtir.
I ".~ Deselect All

I C, Subobjed selection Filter

I~ Quick Select...
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I~ Properties
Quick Properties
FIGURE 5-3.9
Right-click with grip selected

FIGURE 5-3.10 Door added and trimmed - South elevation

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Residential Design Using AutoCAD 2016

You wilrproceed With the idea that

the owner will build steps· from this
door down to grade.

FIGURE 5-3.11 Door added - North elevation

Garage Doors:
16. Draw the garage door shown in Figure 5-3.12.
a. All panels are to be equally spaced.
b. Copy or Mirror the door to the other location.
c. Save your drawing!

,/ 8 1-0 11
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-
, NOTE: This is ailthe inflrmationyou
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youto do a little math.
..

DDDD 00

DDDD ...
~

FIGURE 5-3.12 Garage Door

5-36
 Residential Project: EXTERIOR ELEVATIONS

In this exercise you will draw the chimneys, the railing at the porch and the siding and brick
patterns.

Chimney:
1. Open your Exterior Elevations drawing.

2. Draw two vertical lines at the flrst floor that represent the width of the flreplace;
refer to the flrst floor plan for location and width. (place on Lqyer G-Detl-Hevy,
color White.)

3. Draw the upper portion of the chimney as shown in Figure 5-4.1 (with the
2' -8" portion centered on the flrst floor lines):
a. Trim the fascia as shown.
b. You will flnish the bottom/porch roof intersection next.

FIGURE 5-4.1 Chimney - South elevation

5-37
Residential Design Using AutoCAD 2016

N ext you will draw the side view of the chimney. Once you are done with this view you will
be able to complete the front view.

4. On the East elevation, draw the chimney as shown in Figure 5-4.2.

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FIGURE 5-4.2 Chimney - East elevation

N ow you can project a line from this elevation over to the South elevation to determine
where the chimney intersects the porch roof.

5. Draw a line from where the upper chimney intersects the porch roof, over to the
South elevation (Figure 5-4.3).

Notice how the side view of the chimney helps determine where the chimney intersects the
porch roof in the front view of the chimney.

5-38
 Residential Project: EXTERIOR ELEVATIONS

temp reference lines

---~----

FIGURE 5-4.3 Chimney - South elevation

FYI: This technique is called Orthographic Prqjection.

6. Complete the chimney as shown in Figure 5-4.4.

FIGURE 5-4.4 Chimney - South elevation

7. Zoom into the top of the chimney and draw a concrete chimney cap shown in
Figure 5-4.5.

5-39
Residential Design Using AutoCAD 2016

FIGURE 5-4.5 Chimney Cap

8. Copy the chimney cap to the other elevation.

9. Draw the chimney in the other two elevations (Figures 5-4.6 and 5-4.7).

ElJB
~ ~ ;:::==

HE

FIGURE 5-4.6 Chimney - West elevation

5-40
 Residential Project: EXTERIOR ELEVATIONS

FIGURE 5-4.7 Chimney - North elevation

You will draw the other chimney later.

Porch Railing:
10. Create a Layer named Railing (color Red).

11. Zoom In to the porch on North elevation.

12. Draw the railing shown in Figure 5-4.8. Do not add the shading.

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Residential Design Using AutoCAD 2016

~~11 eOARD~ r5~11 SPACE

FIGURE 5-4.8 Railing - North elevation; shading added for clarity

13. Draw the rest of the railings on the other elevations (Figures 5-4.9 and 5-4.10).

5-42
 Residential Project: EXTERIOR ELEVATIONS

FIGURE 5-4.9 Railing - East elevation

FIGURE 5-4.10 Railing - South elevation

5-43
Residential Design Using AutoCAD 2016

14. Trim any lines that extend behind the 31/2" boards or the 11/2" top and bottom rails
(Figures 5-4.9 and 5-4.10).

U sing the Hatch Command:

The tool used in AutoCAD to draw patterns, such as
bricks, siding and shingles, is called Hatch. This tool
allows you to quickly fill an enclosed area with one of
many predefmed patterns. You will use this feature to
add the shingles, siding and bricks to your elevations.

First you will draw the roof shingles.

15. Zoom In to the East elevation.

16. Create a Layer called Shingles; color Blue; set it current.

17 . You can start the Hatch command in one

of the following ways:
a. Click the Hatch icon on the Draw panel.
b. Type hatch at the Command prompt or On-Screen.

You should now see the Hatch Creation tab on the Ribbon (Figure 5-4.11).

FIGURE 5-4.11 Hatch and Gradient dialog box

This is called a contextual tab. It only appears while the Hatch command is active or when a
hatch element is selected in the drawing. This tab gives you access to all the settings related
to hatch patterns, scale, transparency, etc. With the Hatch command active, you set things the
way you want them on the Ribbon and then move your cursor into the Drawing Window.
When your cursor moves within an enclosed area, that area will automatically get a
temporary hatch pattern so you can see the final result before actually clicking to create the
hatch. When your cursor moves out of the enclosed area the temporary hatch goes away. If
you want to create the hatch you simply click the left mouse button within the enclosed area.
Once you are done creating hatch patterns you click Close Hatch Creation on the Ribbon. The
contextual tab goes away and the hatch command is no longer active.

5-44
 Residential Project: EXTERIOR ELEVATIONS

18. Click the down-arrow in the Pattern panel and select

AR-RSHKE (Figure 5-4.12).

AR-B816 AR-8!n6C

1-]rrop]12D Wireframe]
AR-SRELM AR-SRSfD AR-CONC

AR..HBONE AR-PARQl AR-RROOF

FIGURE 5-4.12 Hatch Creation tab - pattern selected

Next you will pick a point in the drawing that is completely enclosed.

19. Click the Add: Pick Points button (this should be the
default already).

20. Click anywhere in the roof; see Figure 5-4.13.

21. Skip this step.

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Residential Design Using AutoCAD 2016

Click anywhere in the

enclosed area when
using Pick Points

FIGURE 5-4.13 Boundary Hatch; one enclosed section hatched

22. Click the Close Hatch Creation button to finish the hatch creation process.

23. Use the Hatch tool to draw the rest of the roof shingles. X
Close
Hatch Creation

TIP: OnlY Hatch one area at a time; it is easier later whenyou have to re-hatch an area due to a
change (Figures 54.17 - 19.).

N ext you will draw the brick at the chimney.

24. Use the Hatch tool to draw the brick at the chimney:
a. Do not draw the brick pattern behind the railing; this would create too much
clutter.
b. Use the pattern named: AR-BRSTD.
c. See fully hatched Figures 5-4.17 -19.
d. Create on Lqyer named Brick; color Blue.

5-46
 Residential Project: EXTERIOR ELEVATIONS

Finally you will draw the siding; this will be a little different.

25. Create a Lqyer named Siding; color Blue.

26. Initiate the Hatch command.

27. Select U set Defined next to Tjpe.

28. For Spacing enter 4 (this means the lines will be 4" apart). (Figure 5-4.14)

FIGURE 5-4.14 Boundary Hatch; User Defined pattern

TIP:
If you use the Pick Points button and click in
an area that is not closed, you will get this error
message.

It may not be obvious where· the opening is in

the area you wish to hatch. Youneed to zoom
in on each intersection and corner to find the
opening. Finally, you "close" the opening with
a line or Fillet.

If you clickon the Options panel fly-out, you can

adjust the Gap Tolerance variable which allows hatch
to find a valid boundary, as long as all gaps are
smaller than the specified setting.

29. Zoom into the West elevation and use the Pick Points button to select one area at a
time to hatch with the siding pattern (Figure 5-4.15).

5-47
Residential Design Using AutoCAD 2016

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30. Use this technique to draw the rest of the

sieling, hatching one area at a time (see
Figures 5-4.16 to 5-4.19).

TIP: You can select several areas at one time and check
the ((Create separate hatches" option in the Options panel
flY-out dialog box (see image to the right).

5-48
 Residential Project: EXTERIOR ELEVATIONS

TIP:
You can select a hatch pattern to displqy the Hatch Editor tab on the Ribbon. This tab is basicallY the same as
the one used in creating the hatch pattern. Hereyou can change the pattern or ac!Just the scale and/or spacing.

FIGURE 5-4.16 Hatching complete - East elevation

FIGURE 5-4.17 Hatching complete - North elevation

5-49
Residential Design Using AutoCAD 2016

FIGURE 5-4.18 Hatching complete - South elevation

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FIGURE 5-4.19 Hatching complete - West elevation

This concludes Exercise 5-4; don't forget the Additional Tasks at the end of this chapter. It is
strongly recommended that you complete them before moving on as they contain many new
concepts not yet covered.

5-50
 Residential Project: EXTERIOR ELEVATIONS

Self-Exam:
The following questions can be used as a way to check your knowledge of this lesson. The answers
can be found at the bottom of tlns page.

1. You do not need to create a Block if the item to be drawn only exists once in the
drawing. (T IF)

2. You can use Grip Edit to adjust the length of a line. (T IF)

3. Use the Hatch command to draw the brick pattern in elevation. (T IF)

4. When drawing the exterior elevations, the horizontal location for the
windows and doors comes from the drawings.

5. All doors go on the _ _ _ _ _ _ _ layer.

Review Questions:
The following questions may be assigned by your instructor as a way to assess your knowledge of this
section. Your instructor has the answers to the review questions.

1. The Hatch command does not have very many patterns to select from. (T IF)

2. Redefining a Block causes all instances to automatically update. (T IF)

3. You can project lines from another elevation and from the plans to locate where the
chimney intersects the sloping roof below it, also referred to as orthographic
projection. (T IF)

4. Name the command that links a drawing to the current drawing:

5. You can select on a hatched area to edit its properties. (T IF)

6. This icon allows you to __________ a Block.

7. A 6/12 pitch means for every 12"_ _ _ _ _ the roof rises 6" _ _ _ __

8. Name the Hatch pattern used to draw the brick _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

9. What is the most often used door thickness?

1O. You should use a Block when something in the drawing is repetitive and exactly the
Same. (T/F)

5-51
Residential Design Using AutoCAD 2016

Additional Tasks:
Task 5-1: Grade Line
Draw the grade lines shown in the images below.

Create a Lqyer named Grade and set its color to Magenta.

Use the Polyline command via this icon on the Draw panel. Polyline

After picking your flrst point, type W for width; enter 4" (for both the starting width and
end width). Alternatively, you can draw the polyline and then adjust the width afterwards
using the Pedit command (or with the Polyline selected, by adjusting the Global Width option
in Properties).

Draw the grade as close as possible to that shown below. Extend the lines at the corners of
the building down to the grade line.

All grade lines should be at the same vertical location for common corners on each of the
two elevations showing that corner.

Commands used: Polyline, Pedit, Layer Manager

Task 5~1 (1) North elevation with grade line added; gr~de'lineisapprox~ 2'-2" below porch floor

5-52
 Residential Project: EXTERIOR ELEVATIONS

Task 5~1 (2) East elevation with grade line added; grade line is approx. 2'-2" below porch floor

Task 5-1 (3) South elevation with grade line added; grade line is approx. 2'-2" below porch floor

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5-53
Residential Design Using AutoCAD 2016

Task 5-2: Draw the Other Chimney

Draw the other chimney based on reference lines from the floor plan and other elevations.
Draw as much as you can in each elevation and then use orthographic projection to
complete the task.

Draw the same chimney cap and use the same hatch pattern used to draw the first chimney.
Do this for all four elevations.

Commands used: Line, Trim, Extend, Hatch

Task 5-2 (1) South elevation with other chimney added

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5-54
 Residential Project: EXTERIOR ELEVATIONS

Task 5-3: Print Content from a Website

U sing your Internet web browser, print one page of information from one of the websites
mentioned in Lesson 5. HAND IN ONLY ONE PAGE.

Task 5-4: Adding Foundation Lines

First you will draw the lines and then adjust the lines so they look dashed.

FYI: Dashed lines typicallY represent lines that are hidden from view but are still helpful to show.
The foundation walls andfootings are below the ground - so the ground is hiding them. However.,
thry need to be seen on the drawings.

1. Create a Lqyer named Foundation; set its color to Red.

2. Draw the lines as shown below (4 images), and then proceed to Step 3 for
instruction on making the lines dashed.

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Task 5-4 (1) West elevation with foundation lines added

5-55
 Residential Design Using AutoCAD 2016

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5-56
 Residential Project: EXTERIOR ELEVATIONS

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Creating dashed lines:

3. Open the Layer Properties Manager.

4. In the Foundation (layer name) row, click the linetype name (which should be
Continuous at the moment).

You are now in the Select Linerype dialog.

Appearance

5-57
Residential Design Using AutoCAD 2016

You will notice that the current drawing

only has one linetype loaded. N ext you will
load another linetype into the current
drawing.

5. Click the Load ... button. Hidden _____________ _

Hidden (.5xL _______________ _
You are now in the Load or Reload Linetypes Hidden (1x) _ _ _ _ _ _ _

dialog. Hot watersupply - HW - HW - HW -

Phantom _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Phantom (.5x) ___________ _
Phantom (2x)
6. Scroll down to the HIDDEN2
linetype; select it and click OK.

Now, back in the Select Linetypes dialog box ...

7. Select HIDDEN2 and click OK.

8. Click OK to close the Layer

Properties Manager.

The next three system variable

adjustments will make the hidden lines
correct in both Model and Paper Space.

9. Type LTSCALE and Enter; then

type 1 and then Enter.

10. Type PSLTSCALE and Enter;

then type 1 and then Enter.

11. Type MSLTSCALE and Enter; then type 1 and then Enter.

N ext you will set the Annotation Scale which controls the spacing of the lines, as well as the
size of text and dimensions when set to Annotative.

12. Set the Annotation Scale to 1/4" = 1'-0".

13. Type REGEN and then Enter.

14. Save your drawing.

5-58