Step-by-step complete analysis workflows
A revolution in building performance simulation, VE-Gaia’s complete architectural analysis, iteration and reporting environment is driven by “step-by-step” smart guidance that opens wide the power of IES analysis. A series of workflows take users through a range of tasks; from advanced modelling, to energy/carbon analysis, bio-climatic interrogation and report creation.
Analysis to understanding
Weaving a clear route through the analysis process, from modelling to reportage, users can easily undertake key architectural simulations. Designers can track progress, control quality, iterate workflows, trigger simulations, filter results and produce automated visual and rich-text reports.
Increased productivity
Within a project users can easily mould and define the workflow within the framework provided. Any common component is always up to date and users can move between workflows at any time, setting up rapid cycles of development by jumping back and forth.
Quality checks
VE-Gaia includes unique built-in QA functionality. ‘notes’ and ‘date/user stamp’ functions facilitate a direct quality assurance process which can be exported for documentation purposes.
Easy model import
Direct connectivity to SketchUp™, Revit® and ArchiCAD® allows quick, effective feedback direct from early and detailed architectural models. gbXML and DXF import functions are also offered, alongside the ability to input and manipulate exact building data within an integrated central data model.
Model Building
Analysis models can be developed directly within VE-Gaia or can be bought in using a variety of tight connectivity and import capabilities. This ease of connectivity between CAD/BIM modelling tools breaks down many of the barriers to effective utilisation of analysis for green design, especially at the early architectural design stages.
IES gbXML/DXF import – 3D/2D BIM/CAD import functionality
IES SketchUp plug-in – direct connectivity from SketchUp ‘free’ and Pro
IES Revit plug-in – direct connectivity from Revit Architecture and MEP
IES ArchiCAD connectivity – incredibly tight, tried and tested, gbMXL link
IES ModelIT – optional module for 3D geometry creation within VE-Gaia (recommended additional purchase)
VE-Gaia Workflows
VE-Gaia currently includes the following workflows,and we’ll be adding more in future versions.
Model Geometry/Data
Model drawing, import, setup, and creation; including grouping rooms and assigning features/shades. Detailed data assignment and manipulation; including assigning weather data, constructions, building usage and HVAC systems.
Climate/Bio-Climatic Interrogation
Climate exploration, analysis and review; including consideration of future climate predictions:
> Bio-Climatic responsive design suggestions for urban layout and built form
> Temperature, moisture/humidity, wind, precipitation, solar energy, diurnal swing
> IES Climate Energy Index breakdown of potential climate has to impact energy use
Natural Resources/Water Analysis
Understand the available potential for solar/wind energy and rainwater resources:
> Review water availability, appliance water use and reduction potential
> Assess rainwater/greywater/ blackwater efficiencies
> Choose between LEED, BREEAM and Green Star approaches
Building Metrics/Materials Review
Understand the dominant heat exchange characteristics, materials and other metrics of the building. Is it skin or internally loaded, what’s the surface area to volume ratio, thermal mass, and natural ventilation form, plus much more.
Energy/Carbon Simulation
Use a dynamic thermal simulation at sub-hourly time-steps to interrogate without shading, with simple external shading, or with advanced solar penetration:
> Whole-building energy/carbon (by end use)
> Benchmark against Architecture 2030 Challenge
> Max/min results for temperature, humidity and comfort at a room level
> Per room peak loads breakdown based on dynamic simulation
Heating/Cooling Loads Calculation
Production of building, system and room heating/cooling loads figures, including peak loads, loads breakdown and cooling air flow rates. Choice of ASHRAE and CIBSE calculation methods.
Daylight/Solar Shading Simulation
Assess daylight levels against a fixed threshold with model and tabular results. Create a Solar Shading animation across a choice of date ranges.
Low/Zero-Carbon Technologies
Feasibility assessment of user selected renewables and low carbon technologies in relation to delivered energy and carbon emission mitigation.
Pricing
The following price options are for Annual Stand Alone licences. Rolling and Site Licence options are also available, please contact sales@iesve.com for details.
| GB Pound | AUS Dollar | Euro | US Dollar | |
| VE-Gaia | £600 | AUS$1500 | €900 | $1000 |
| VE-Gaia + ModelIT | £780 | AUS $1940 | €1125 | $1300 |
