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Virtual Architecture - powered by ArCon open
Feature comparison between ApartmentDesigner, HouseDesigner and ArCon open

Here you find a feature-comparision between ApartmentDesigner, HouseDesigner, HouseDesigner Premium, HouseDesigner Professional and ArCon open.

	included	not included
ApartmentDesigner	AP	AP
previous HouseDesigner professional	A	A
HouseDesigner	H	H
HouseDesigner premium	H pre	H pre
HouseDesigner professional	H pro	H pro

StoryboardAP A H H pre H pro

Make fantastic videos with the storyboard; be your own creative director
Compatibility
AP

A

H

H pre

H pro

All projects from HouseDesigner, ApartmentDesigner und ArCon open are compatible.
Remodeled surface in 3D TouchAP A H H pre H pro

All HouseDesigner-Versions and the VA ApartmentDesigner have a remodeled surface in 3D Touch.
Exclusive WACKENHUT SCHLAFKULTUR 3D Objects includedAP A H H pre H pro

Exclusive WACKENHUT SCHLAFKULTUR 3D Objects are included.
Import and Export 3DS-files AP A H H pre H pro

You can import and export 3DS-Files into the VA ApartmentDesigner, VA HouseDesigner, VA HouseDesigner Premium, VA ApartmentDesigner, VA HouseDesigner, VA HouseDesigner Premium, VA HouseDesigner Professional and ArCon open for continue work in other CAD-programs.
Support of DirectX AP A H H pre H pro

Dramatic speed increase when working in the design mode of the VA ApartmentDesigner, VA HouseDesigner, VA HouseDesigner Premium, VA HouseDesigner Professional and ArCon open with DirectX support.
Real time shadows AP A H H pre H pro

The VA ApartmentDesigner, VA HouseDesigner, VA HouseDesigner Premium, VA HouseDesigner Professional and ArCon open provides Real-time Shadow when walking through, additional an adjustment to soften the shadows.
Room planning mode AP A H H pre H pro

Room planning mode, generating of floor plans, made possible with definitions of single rooms (rectangular, L-shape, T-shape, trapezium-shaped, polygonal), which will be put together with “drag & drop” .
automatically Outside and inside wallsAP A H H pre H pro

The VA ApartmentDesigner, VA HouseDesigner, VA HouseDesigner Professional and ArCon open generates automatically Outside and inside walls. The belated changing of room complexes is also part of the room planning mode of the HouseDesigner Professional.
Texture- and material pipette AP A H H pre H pro

The VA ApartmentDesigner, VA HouseDesigner, VA HouseDesigner Professional and ArCon open Texture- and Material pipette – for easy transfer of used textures and / or materials from one point to another.
Preview window before loading projects AP A H H pre H pro

When loading objects you are already able to preview in the “Open File“- Dialog box a project, either as a floor plan or in 3D-view in the preview window. The display of the project data (builder etc.) is also possible.
Input options of windows, roof area windows and doors in the design modeAP A H H pre H pro

Input options of windows, roof area windows and doors in the design mode are displayed graphical interactive in the VA ApartmentDesigner, VA HouseDesigner, VA HouseDesigner Professional and ArCon open.
Changing options of construction elements in the design modeAP A H H pre H pro

Changing options of construction elements in the design mode, elements of the construction mode (windows, stairs, plates, supports, chimneys) can be moved interactive in the VA ApartmentDesigner, VA HouseDesigner, VA HouseDesigner Professional and ArCon open.
Change/Transfer of features for selected elementsAP A H H pre H pro

With this feature for example you can transfer selected features of a window (balustrade height, textures, etc. ) to other windows (via mouse selected, entire room , entire floor, entire building).
Editing of walls AP A H H pre H pro

All versions support editing of walls, for example Separating, Extending, Trimming
Moving function in the construction modeAP A H H pre H pro

Complete floor plan areas can be marked and afterwards be moved either interactive or numerical ( Selection choice via rectangle or polygon). Windows and doors are moving automatically with the walls. Selected supports, chimneys, etc. will be moved as well.
Selecting of furnishing objects in the construction modeAP A H H pre H pro

Furnishings can be selected, changed or moved (also with entire area moving, see above)
Automatically outside measuresAP A H H pre H pro

All outside measures incl. windows and doors will be generated with a push of a button and automatically updated when changes occur.
Additional 3D-window in the construction modeAP A H H pre H pro

Additional 3D-window in the construction mode, freely re-positioning , for the simultaneous 3D-view when constructing.
Free definition of texture measuresAP A H H pre H pro

Free definition of texture measures ( size, origin, direction ) on walls, floors, ceilings, plates, chimneys and supports like with the plate designer of the version ArCon +6 open
Measure function for measure informationAP A H H pre H pro

Measure function for measure information in the construction mode
Circular arc tangential at wall AP A H H pre H pro

Beside some more input variants for round walls a new input variant for round walls is supported. Circular arc tangential at wall
Overview measures block outs AP A H H pre H pro

Overview measures in the construction mode when generating walls, beams, screeds, windows, doors and wall block outs.
Additional labeling fieldAP A H H pre H pro

Additional labeling field
window-macro-dialogueAP A H H pre H pro

Additional windows through the HouseDesigner Professional window-macro-dialogue
terrain assistantAP A H H pre H pro

VA HouseDesigner, VA HouseDesigner Premium, VA HouseDesigner Professional and ArCon open terrain assistant: Different, given terrain models can be selected and edited.
True to scale inputAP A H H pre H pro---------------

True to scale input of any complex floor plans, supported by raster, support lines and ruler are possible in the VA ApartmentDesigner, VA HouseDesigner, VA HouseDesigner Premium, VA HouseDesigner Professional and ArCon open.
Plan and DesignAP A H H pre H pro

It is possible to plan and design endless floors including basement and attic floor. Floors can be shown / hidden in the VA ApartmentDesigner, VA HouseDesigner, VA HouseDesigner Premium, VA HouseDesigner Professional and ArCon open. Walls will be generated and blended as 3D-models.Windows and doors can be selected from given pallets or can be designed by intelligent assistants.
Necessary wall openings will be automatically generated when placing. Ceilings will be moved in automatically.
Wall holesAP A H H pre H pro

It is possible to cut any rectangular holes into walls. There is a check box in the dialogue “advanced window design” to show or to hide the window frame (incl. glass).
Automatic stairs construction AP A H H pre H pro

The VA ApartmentDesigner, VA HouseDesigner, VA HouseDesigner Premium, VA HouseDesigner Professional and ArCon open has an automatic stairs construction incl. handrails for L-and U shaped pedestals as well as for straight, coiled, half-coiled stairs and for arbor- and circular arc stairs. All stairs can be selected either as solid- or wood construction. The surfaces are freely designable and at a push on a button the optimum safety after DIN 18065 can be calculated. A lower and a top level displacement can be calculated for every stair. Furthermore, for every straight single run stair can be the inclined accession and egression be selected via angle input. With the help of this special „stair types“, ramps can be included into the planning, for example to design apartments for handicapped people. To generate any polygonal stairs and to select different handrail types use the polygonal coiled stair. The many setting possibilities allow the adaptation to different styles. Any 3D-objects can be used as poles. The filling of the handrail can be done with vertical alternatively horizontal bars or with a glass area.
Automatic and free roof constructionsAP A H H pre H pro

This function includes an automatic and also free roof construction for saddle-,pent-,hipped-,half -hipped-,mansard- and barrel-shaped roofs, as well as a combination of all including roofing and drip details. The VA HouseDesigner, VA HouseDesigner Premium, VA HouseDesigner Professional and ArCon open generates automatically a construction suggestion for the truss, including rafter and jack rafter, arris- and valley rafter, as well as ridge beam, inferior purlin and middle purlin.
The roof editor supports in a simple way the definition of new, complex roof shapes. For every roof wall can be decided , if it is a simple roof wall , a gable wall, partial hip wall, a mansard roof wall or a pent roof wall. Depending on the selection, the needed parameter will be requested and with a drawing explained.
The truss will be adapted automatically to the construction. With the help of the included Undo-and Redo functions in the dialogue box can every step of the construction be withdrawn or rebuild.
The advanced sill of a lock gate assistant simplifies the connection of different drip levels. At visible roof beams tops you can select different roof beam tops.
DormerAP A H H pre H pro

Eight different dormer types (incl. the truss construction) are supported. The front dormer wall can be stand on the floor (not attached dormer) or just reach to the roof area (attached dormer). The following dormer types are supported: shed dormer ,saddle roof dormer and triangle dormer... You can put windows into the dormer walls, like in normal walls.
SkylightsAP A H H pre H pro

All about the windows for the attic conversion is perfectly edited in the VA HouseDesigner, VA HouseDesigner Premium, VA HouseDesigner Professional and ArCon open.

A huge selection of skylights can be used for planning with the VA HouseDesigner Professional. Also following skylight selection of VELUX are available:

- GDL – the double wing skylight with roof exit
- GPL – the retractable – oscillating - window
- GHL – the retractable – oscillating -
- GTL – The living – and exit window.
Beam cross-sectionAP A H H pre H pro

It is possible to define all wood cross-sections for a roof construction with a dialogue. An information box shows all relevant data about the roof (roof area, Ifdm cullies, gable board, etc.).
Complete furnishing in 2D and 3D modeAP A H H pre H pro

Planning of the complete furnishing up to wall papers and floor covering in different style catalogues, which include more than 3000 objects and textures (textures are used for surface structures )with the enclosed standard catalogue in the VA ApartmentDesigner, VA HouseDesigner, VA HouseDesigner Premium, VA HouseDesigner Professional and ArCon open. Furthermore, you have the choice to generate any own textures.
Besides Windows – BMP –Files also following files will be supported: JPEG, TIF, PCX, GIF and PNG.
Also moving objects can be now displayed in the VA ApartmentDesigner, VA HouseDesigner, VA HouseDesigner Premium, VA HouseDesigner Professional and ArCon open. With the moving objects is it possible for example to open the door of a cabinet.
Terrain modellingAP A H H pre H pro

The terrain will be marked by an extensive polygon. Afterwards you can put height points and also you are able to cut holes into the terrain (for example for swimming pools). The terrain can be separated into different areas (Patio, ways, lawn, garden, etc.) and afterwards be textured individual.
Consideration of sun and moon positionAP A H H pre H pro

With the help of a dialogue box you can determine longitude and latitude (the input can also be done by country and city).The daytime determines the exact position of sun or moon, which can be shown in the background when wished by the user. In reference to the time of the year and day a determination of the daylight colour will be shown. A north arrow can be positioned on the construction plan. This north arrow determines the direction of sun and moon.
Photo realistic presentation with Ray-TracingAP A H H pre H pro

A special function of the VA ApartmentDesigner, VA HouseDesigner, VA HouseDesigner Premium, VA HouseDesigner Professional and ArCon open is the photo realistic simulation of the light conditions with the help of Ray-Tracing. Light, shadow, transparency and reflection will be calculated realistically. The VA HouseDesigner contains of course a generation of high quality pictures for your presentation.
Building-/Object shadowAP A H H pre H pro

The user has the possibility to determine, if the house shows a shadow or not (for example a building shadow for outside videos with patio shadow). For objects can be chosen as well, if they should show a shadow or not. This is sometimes important when generating pictures to use shadows. This function is an addition to the already existing function “lamp generates shadow”.
Labelling, dimensioning and outputAP A H H pre H pro

The dimensioning of floor plans with single- or chain measures is another feature of the VA HouseDesigner Professional. An effective and scale output for every floor, including frame and writing field can be done with every to windows connected printer or plotter. Floor plans, views and pictures can be included into Microsoft Word for Windows for presentations of all kind.
Foreground / Background - BitmapAP A H H pre H pro

A Bitmap as a foreground or background can be shown at any place in the design mode (for example the VA Virtual Architecture logo, company logo, etc.). This bitmap is also shown on the generated pictures and videos.

There is the possibility to insert a bitmap for the background presentation (horizon, view angle).
Actual Cost dialogueAP A H H pre H pro

A cost estimation can be done with the 7 cost groups of DIN 276.
Numerical inputAP A H H pre H pro

At the coverage of the floor plan in the VA HouseDesigner, VA HouseDesigner Premium, VA HouseDesigner Professional and ArCon open there is the choice besides the input via cursor and raster also to do it numerical (addition to „dimensioning input). With that, the polygon will be captured only rough and will be determined exactly afterwards. This function helps extensively for the coverage of the floor plan.
Import of DWG, HPGL- und 2D-DXF-FilesAP A H H pre H pro

DWG, HPGL- and 2D-DXF files can be used and shown as foils for the floor plan input. Also our VA Software versions include as a standard the export of HPGL-and 2D-DXF-files and ProCAD-foils as 3D mode for further use in other CAD-programs.
Planning and construction of several buildings with different levelsAP A H H pre H pro

It is possible to plan and construct several buildings with different levels with the VA HouseDesigner Premium, VA HouseDesigner Professional and ArCon open (for example for nested town houses ).Beams and coatings, also wall holes are supported.
Creating of videos as AVI-filesAP A H H pre H pro

The VA ApartmentDesigner, VA HouseDesigner, VA HouseDesigner Premium, VA HouseDesigner Professional and ArCon open can create videos with the common Windows video format AVI. Create professional videos for the builder and set a new standard in the presentation of your building project.
Detailed room information AP A H H pre H pro

At the push of a button detailed room information can be created as a text document including room identification, information text and automatically calculated data, like floor area, volume, ad measurement and wall area. A listing of all rooms as RTF-file can be created with Microsoft Word for Windows, which additionally if you like includes a listing of the furnishing per room. The complexity of the data can be chosen by the user.
Cuts and viewsAP A H H pre H pro

You can define any horizontal, vertical and diagonal cuts in the construction mode. Every cut can be placed into the actual plan as a picture or can be defined as a separate sheet. The cut areas will be shown as hatched. The same applies for the views.
Cuts in the design modeAP A H H pre H pro

The created cuts in the construction mode can also be displayed in the design mode. This gives you the opportunity to look into the house like into a dollhouse.
Calculation of floor areas and volumesAP A H H pre H pro

The rooms can be assigned for the occupancy according to DIN. The calculation of the areas and volumes can be done with the help of the function “room info” as a word document. All articles of DIN 277 will be taken in consideration for the calculation of the ground areas and volumes ( for example room heights lower or higher than 1,50 meters).
Virtual wallsAP A H H pre H pro

With the help of virtual walls you can create rooms, which sides are not completely surrounded by walls, that means, you can create logical rooms which will be taken into consideration for the area calculation, or continues walls can be separated for separate texturing. Also you are able to create floors with different levels with the help of virtual walls.
2D-EditorAP A H H pre H pro

With this editor you can create simple 2D plans for further detailed planning, for example for the installation of sanitary facilities or sewage system. The needed symbols are in two DXF-files, which you can insert into the construction planning.
Export of picturesAP A H H pre H pro

The export of pictures in the design mode is not only possible as a bitmap, also vector orientated formats can be exported (HPGL, DXF, Windows-Metafile, etc. ).The request can be activated in the design mode under the menu “file-vector graphics export”. All of the offered VA Software versions use as a standard „covered edges” for export. Whenever the presentation mode “wire model” is chosen, it will be used for export.
Two Standard-Macros for exportingAP A H H pre H pro

Two standard-macros for exporting the files of VA-projects according to ProCad and speedikon (HLI-format) provide a simple and almost complete export of projects in the mentioned programs.
Landing designerAP A H H pre H pro

The creation of polygonal landings is possible in construction mode,. Any desired, polygonal areas can be constructed in a 2D top view. Auxiliary elements (lines, circles, ellipses) and various existing contour forms (right-angled, round, rounded) support the construction of complex geometry.
On stating a lower level, a height and, with the possibility of defining an inclination for the sides, a 3D body emerges which can be textured as desired and equipped with bit maps. Each individual object can be given the characteristic "Contour" or "Hole". With this, the creation of any desired recesses in the objects is possible. On selecting filling models and colours, an individual 2D substitute presentation is available for presentation in the plan. The landings created are available for further planning (storage with individual names in a catalogue possible).
Slab designers AP A H H pre H pro

With the integrated slab designer, you can create 3D slabs in design mode. This makes the planning of any desired, polygonal areas (e.g. advertising areas) with construction facilities possible as for the landing designer. The contours of moveable walls, advertising areas and other slab objects are constructed with a 2D profile.
Multi-copying of elements and objectsAP A H H pre H pro

Selected elements are copied stating the spacing, number and direction of rotation. The placement is controlled by selecting the positioning points of the elements concerned or by stating an angle (offset). A preview appears with set copying options as placement aid.

Construction mode: windows, doors, supports, chimneys, auxiliary lines, text.

Design mode: furnishing objects, elements

Virtual Architecture - powered by ArCon open Feature comparison between ApartmentDesigner, HouseDesigner and ArCon open

Virtual Architecture - powered by ArCon open
Feature comparison between ApartmentDesigner, HouseDesigner and ArCon open