Archabox Plugin For - Sketchup

Manually extruding window openings is slow. With Archabox, you simply click on a wall face, define a window/door type (sliding, casement, Dutch door), and the plugin:

In native SketchUp, cutting a hole in a wall for a window or intersecting a floor slab requires manual trimming or the clunky Solid Tools. Archabox introduces dynamic trimming. When you draw a wall through a slab, Archabox automatically cuts the wall at the correct height. When you move the slab, the wall updates instantly.

Archabox utilizes the Ruby Console and a custom dialog box interface. The workflow generally follows this loop:

Let's simulate a real-world use case to show the power of Archabox.

1. Create Levels Define Level 0 (Ground) at 0mm, Level 1 at 3000mm, and Roof at 6000mm. archabox plugin for sketchup

2. Draw Slabs Using the Slab Tool, trace the ground floor footprint. Archabox creates a 300mm thick concrete slab.

3. Draw Walls on Level 0 Switch to Level 0, select "Exterior Wall (30cm)," and start tracing. The walls automatically stop at the slab edge and trim corners.

4. Copy to Level 1 Use Archabox > Copy Story Up. The plugin duplicates walls, slab, and openings from Level 0 to Level 1, mirroring any changes.

5. Insert Openings Click Window Tool → Select "Sliding 2-panel" → Click on a wall face → specify width/height. The plugin cuts the wall and inserts the dynamic window. Manually extruding window openings is slow

6. Generate the Roof Select the Level 1 perimeter → Roof Tool → Gable roof → pitch 30° → overhang 500mm. Instant roof.

7. Extract BOQ Archabox > Report > Quantity Takeoff. Export the CSV. You now have concrete volume, wall area, and glazing area for your cost consultant.

Getting started with the Archabox plugin is straightforward, but it differs slightly from standard SketchUp extensions.

Step 1: Obtain the Plugin Visit the official Archabox website (archabox.com) or their authorized reseller. Note: Avoid random SketchUp extension repositories; pirated versions of Archabox often have broken parametric links. Step 3: Activate the Toolbar Right-click the top

Step 2: Install via Extension Manager

Step 3: Activate the Toolbar Right-click the top toolbar area in SketchUp and check Archabox Tools. There are usually three toolbars: "Creation," "Modify," and "Quantities."

Step 4: Set Project Units Before drawing anything, go to Archabox > Project Settings. Ensure your units (metric/imperial) match your scope. Archabox works best in metric (millimeters or meters) due to its Latin American origins, but imperial support is solid.