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Building envelope model: Precise 3D data for energy consulting and renovation planning
The building envelope model, also known as a facade model or 3D volume model, provides professionals in architecture, construction and energy-efficient renovation with a key tool for obtaining precise, material-differentiated data on facades, roofs, windows and doors.
You receive all the data you need for energy consulting, renovation planning or inventory analysis, for your strategic decision-making processes or for creating individual renovation roadmaps (individueller Sanierungsfahrplan, iSFP):
✓ the 3D model
✓ the envelope surfaces differentiated by material
✓ the orientation/compass direction of each exterior surface
✓ all data as an Excel file with material/colour code per area (m²)
Our service: The Lumoview building envelope model
From drone to data set: our process combines state-of-the-art hardware with intelligent software. Instead of traditional surveying, we rely on an AI-supported workflow chain that combines precision and speed.
In cooperation with our partner Airteam, we capture your building seamlessly from the air. We collect high-resolution images using drone photogrammetry. We also capture complex buildings with, for example, hard-to-access roof areas quickly and with centimetre precision – accurately, without scaffolding or inspection.
Our specialised artificial intelligence analyses the image data and automatically recognises all relevant components, such as windows, doors, walls and roof areas. The AI also differentiates between the various materials used in each component.
The recorded data is automatically converted into a precise 3D CAD model. Instead of manual drawing work, our software converts the recordings directly into clean geometries. Each surface is linked to its exact compass direction. This provides you with a fast and precise basis for a 3D BIM model.
We extract all relevant parameters into a structured Excel list. You receive the exact square metre figures, sorted with colour coding according to material and orientation by compass direction. Together with the 3D model, this gives you a reliable digital basis for determining the U-value and the iSFP (=individual renovation roadmaps; individueller Sanierungsfahrplan) , as well as for your renovation planning.
Benefits of the building envelope model
The building envelope model combines several key benefits: precise data, greater efficiency and speed, and improved analytical quality.
Data-based decisions
You receive a reliably verified data foundation that supports informed decision-making. Unlike traditional methods such as visual inspections or working with outdated or incomplete plans, you gain access to current and accurate information on surfaces, materials, and building orientation.
Efficiency and speed
By capturing data via drone from the air, on-site effort is kept to a minimum. There is no need for manual inspections or scaffolding. At the same time, our AI-supported workflow delivers a complete building envelope model in a very short time.
Higher quality results
The precise data provided by the 3D building model enables significantly higher quality in existing condition analyses, forecasts, and renovation planning.
What is the building envelope model used for?
The building envelope model is primarily used in energy consulting and energy-efficient renovation. It supports professionals who need accurate, material-specific façade and roof data for energy efficiency, renovation planning, inventory analysis or strategic decision-making processes. When directly comparing technologies and providers, the Lumoview model provides the most technologically superior and reliable basis for decision-making.
Energy consulting and individual renovation roadmap (iSFP)
Lumoview provides you with verified surface data and component orientations. Our building envelope model replaces uncertain estimates with accurate data on exterior and roof surfaces. It increases the quality of inventory analyses, forecasts and renovation plans and provides the necessary data basis for energy assessment (heat loss, energy balance), BAFA eligibility and the creation of individual renovation roadmaps (iSFP; individueller Sanierungsfahrplan).
Renovation planning and subsidy applications
Energy consulting, subsidy programmes and renovation planning are often based on estimates, visual inspections or old plans. Lumoview provides you with clear Material classification and precise square metre specifications for each component form the basis for data-driven decision-making. This enables accurate cost calculations for materials and trades and serves as reliable evidence for KfW, BAFA and state subsidy programmes.
Building physics simulation and verification
Exterior walls, roofs and windows determine how much energy a building loses or gains. Without information on materials and orientation, energy assessments remain inaccurate. The Lumoview model for the building envelope provides exactly that: the geometrically verified envelope area, the building volume and the shading. You receive precise data for thermal simulations, such as thermal bridge analyses and other calculations such as the A/V ratio, transmission heat losses and the legal verification according to the Building Energy Act (GEG).
BIM integration and digital inventory recording
Lumoview provides a digital 3D model of the building envelope in .obj and .skp formats, as well as the associated surface data in Excel. DWG and PDF are available via Airteam for additional products. This CAD connection allows the model to be seamlessly integrated into your CAD, BIM and energy consulting software and workflows and used as the basis for your building information modelling and digital twin in facility management.
What is a building envelope?
A building envelope, also known as a building shell or outer skin, is the outer boundary of a building – i.e. walls, roof, windows and doors. It is a closed geometric body formed by all the components that enclose the building on the outside. It forms the outer layer of a building and the physical separation between the interior and the outside world.
What does the building envelope include?
The building envelope includes all components of a building that enclose it from the outside. From bottom to top, these are the foundation and floor slab, facades, doors, windows and roof surfaces. The envelope usually consists of different layers, each with its own function:
- a load-bearing layer,
- a heat-insulating layer,
- an airtight layer,
- a vapour barrier layer
- a moisture buffer layer, and
- a pure protective layer on the outside.
What is the function of the building envelope?
The building envelope forms a barrier against environmental influences, e.g. weather conditions such as precipitation, temperatures or outside air, but also against noise and radiation. It protects the interior fittings and technical equipment and, together with heating, ventilation and cooling systems, ensures a stable indoor climate.
External walls, roofs and windows determine energy consumption
This makes the building envelope the largest potential source of heat loss. It determines airtightness, thermal insulation and energy efficiency, i.e. the heating and cooling requirements of energy-efficient buildings. The most relevant factors are the exact dimensions, the properties and interaction of the materials used, their processing and the coordination of all components and details. Precise envelope surface data is essential for the planning of energy-saving houses. Without precise data, energy assessments remain inaccurate.
Frequently asked questions about the Lumoview building envelope model
Yes, the data meets the requirements for iSFP (BAFA) as well as for KfW funding and state funding programmes. The model is also suitable for GEG verification.
You will receive the 3D model in industry-standard formats such as .obj and .skp. DWG and PDF are available for additional products via Airteam. We will provide you with the data list in Excel (XLSX) format.
The effort required on site is minimal, as we collect the data using drones. This eliminates the need for manual measurements by means of on-site inspections or complex scaffolding. The duration of the on-site appointment depends primarily on the size and complexity of the building.
Depending on the size and complexity of the building, it takes between 7 and 14 days from the drone flight to the delivery of the finished 3D model.
Unlike other providers, Lumoview delivers differentiated material differentiation in conjunction with the respective compass direction at the touch of a button. The procedure and the result are precisely tailored to energy consulting and energy-efficient renovation planning. Other providers deliver geometry, Lumoview delivers finished energy data sets.
Since the measurement is carried out contactlessly using a drone, the building envelope model is suitable for numerous building types, including
- residential properties, such as single-family or multi-family houses or residential complexes,
- commercial properties, whether for offices, retail or industry,
- public buildings, such as schools or administrative buildings, and
- listed buildings, as well as
- Complex building stocks with, for example, areas that are difficult to access, intricate geometry and complex shapes.
The price varies depending on the size and complexity of the building. Let's talk briefly about your project. We will be happy to provide you with an initial cost estimate.
Building envelope model for energy analysis
Access material-classified façade and building envelope data for energy performance evaluations.