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Tutorial: How to Create a Gable Roof Similar to a Belgian Gable

In this detailed video tutorial, you will learn how to construct a gable roof with projecting gable ends (often referred to as a Belgian gable) using cadvilla architecture software. First, we will show you how to set up precise guidelines. Next, you will learn how to combine different roof shapes and quickly apply settings to opposite roof sides using the multiple copy function. Finally, the tutorial covers adjusting the wall heights beneath the new roof sections and applying realistic textures to the final 3D model.

1. Preparation and Setting Guidelines

[0:34] Deactivate grid and line widths

  • Before starting, it is helpful to deactivate the grid and the line widths to make snapping and orienting easier.
  • Go to the view tab to adjust these settings, or use the quick access icons at the top if visible.

[0:45] Place guidelines for the main roof

  • To ensure the roof aligns perfectly with the building edges, we need two vertical guidelines.
  • Press the shortcut G on your keyboard for the Vertical Guideline tool.
  • Place the first guideline on the left exterior wall and the second on the right exterior wall. Press Escape when you are done.

2. Insert and Define the Main Roof

[1:15] Insert a rectangular roof

  • Navigate to the Building tab.
  • Click on Roof construction, then Insert roof, and select Insert rectangular roof.
  • Click on the first corner of your building in the 2D view, and drag the rectangle to the diagonally opposite corner.

[1:48] Define the gable sides of the main roof

  • The Roof construction dialog opens automatically. Click the 3D window icon to maximize the preview.
  • Select one of the shorter roof sides with a left mouse click. The side menu will show it as Roof side 2.
  • Change the Profile dropdown from Hipped roof to Gable.
  • Change the Overhang value to 0.00 m and confirm with the Tab key.

[2:17] Use Multiple Copy for the opposite side

  • To speed up the process, click Multiple copy.
  • In the dialog, click the green side (already defined) and then the red side (opposite side) to transfer the properties.
  • Click Transfer and then OK.

[2:47] Set parameters for the long roof sides

  • Now, select one of the long roof sides in the preview (Roof side 1).
  • Keep the profile as Hipped roof. Set the Pitch to 35.00 degrees (Tab), the Height to 1.00 m (Tab), and the Overhang to 0.00 m (Tab).
  • Use Multiple copy again to transfer these settings to the opposite long side.
  • Finally, click OK to close the main dialog.

3. Construct the Projecting Gable Roofs

[3:48] Add inner guidelines

  • Switch back to the 2D view and press G to insert new vertical guidelines.
  • Place them where the inner walls of the projecting gable sections will start, then press Escape.

[4:18] Insert the first projecting roof section

  • Go to Building > Roof construction > Insert roof > Insert rectangular roof again.
  • Define a new rectangular roof area between the new guidelines and the exterior wall.

[4:40] Define profiles for the first projection

  • In the 3D preview, select the short, outer-facing side (Roof side 2).
  • Set the Profile to Gable and the Overhang to 0.00 m. Use Multiple copy to transfer this to the opposite short side.
  • Select the long side (Roof side 1).
  • Set the Profile to Hipped Roof, the Pitch to 35.00 degrees, the Height to 1.30 m, and the Overhang to 0.00 m. Use Multiple copy for the opposite long side.

[5:51] Adjust Wood Construction and Cladding

  • Still in the dialog, select Wood construction from the left menu. Deactivate all checkboxes for purlins, collar beams, and rafters to remove intersecting timbers.
  • Next, select Cladding and deactivate all checkboxes (such as gutters and ridge tiles) to create a clean intersection. Click OK.
  • Note: Repeat these exact steps (from minute [6:23]) to create the second projecting roof on the other side of the building.

4. Adjust Wall Heights and Apply Textures

[8:00] Close the gap under the new gables

  • Switch back to the 3D view. You will notice a gap between the walls and the newly created projecting gables.
  • In the right-side project manager, right-click on 1. Floor and select Properties.
  • Change the Rough height (shell construction height) to 5.00 m and confirm with OK. The walls will now extend all the way up to the new roofline.

[8:23] Texture the roof surfaces

  • Open the Catalog on the right side.
  • Navigate to Textures > Materials > Roof tile > Tegelit.
  • Select a texture (for example, Tegelit_glas_grau) and drag it onto the main roof in the 3D view.
  • If any roof parts did not update, you can use the Transfer material tool (under 3D Functions) to copy the texture to the missing sections.
  • For the smaller projecting roofs, go back to the catalog under Materials > Metal. Select a texture like Bronze and drag it onto those two roof sections to complete your design.