Do you want to build a solid and structurally accurate base for your architectural project? In this tutorial, you will learn step by step how to properly enter and define a foundation in cadvilla. First, we will show you how to create a new floor level specifically for the foundation below the ground floor. Furthermore, you will discover how to set up centered guidelines to position your strip foundations and bottom plate perfectly. As a result, you will be able to verify your complete lower structure using a clean section view.

Below is a detailed overview of the video’s content.

1. Create a New Floor for the Foundation

[00:31] Prepare the View and Create the Floor

• First, deactivate the Grid and the Line width in the top menu to get a better overview and to make snapping easier.
  
• Go to the Projects window on the right side and make a right-mouse click on Building.
• Select New Floor below from the context menu.

[00:59] Define the Floor Properties

• The Floor properties window will open automatically. In the first step, change the Name of the floor (for example, to “Foundation”).
• Next, define the Rough height (in the video, this is set to 1.00 m).
• Click on Transfer. In the subsequent window, under the Objects section, it is absolutely essential that you select None.
• Finally, confirm your settings by clicking OK.

2. Set Guidelines for Orientation

[01:50] Insert Centered Guidelines

• To ensure that you can precisely place the foundation in the center beneath your supporting walls later, we highly recommend using centered guidelines.
• In the top menu, select 2D Layout > 2D guidelines > Guideline > Centered guideline.
• Tip: By right-clicking and selecting Properties, you can open the Appearance tab and change the Line color of the guidelines (e.g., to Green). Consequently, they will stand out much better from the black floor plan lines.
• Now, click on the inner edge and the outer edge of a wall to place the guideline exactly in the middle. Hold down the CTRL key while clicking to ensure the line is drawn 100% horizontal or vertical according to the angular grid.

3. Enter Strip Foundations

Note: In older versions (up to 7.x), the input is done via “Beams”. From version 8.x onwards, you use the dedicated Foundation tool as described below.

[03:41] Select the Strip Foundation Tool

• Switch to the 2D view to get a good overview for the entry. In the Projects panel, deselect the Ground floor to hide its walls.
• Choose Building > Foundations > Strip foundations > Between two points chain.

[03:57] Adjust Foundation Properties

• Before drawing, press the right mouse button and select Properties.
• Adjust the dimensions first. The Thickness of a foundation is usually wider than the wall standing on it (e.g., Wall 0.30 m ⇾ Foundation 0.60 m). Also, check the Height (e.g., 1.00 m) and leave the Level at 0.00 m.
• Afterward, click on Layer construction. Click the dropdown arrow next to Material to open the Building materials window.
• Go to 2D Display, set the Fill style to Monochrome, and choose a Fill color (e.g., Grey). Confirm all dialogs with OK.

[05:10] Draw the Strip Foundations

• Now, draw the external strip foundations along your green guidelines. Simply click on the start point and the end point for each segment.
• Once the full perimeter is drawn, press the ESC key.
• Repeat the exact same process for the internal supporting walls. Adjust the Thickness in the properties if necessary (e.g., to 0.50 m) and click along the inner guidelines to place them.

4. Add the Bottom Plate (Floor Slab)

[07:38] Select the Bottom Plate Tool

• After the strip foundations are created, the next step is to add a closed floor slab.
• Navigate to Building > Foundation > Bottom plate > Insert with polygon.

[07:56] Adjust the Bottom Plate Properties

• Press the right mouse button and select Properties before placing it.
• Edit the dimensions in this window. For example, verify that the Level is set to 0.00 m and enter 0.40 m for the Thickness.
• You can also check the Layer construction to ensure the correct material and color are selected. Confirm with OK.

[08:34] Draw the Bottom Plate

• Enter the bottom plate by clicking all the external corner points of your complete foundation outline in the 2D view.
• After you have clicked the last point, press the right mouse button and select Complete.
• Tip for subsequent changes: If you need to make changes later, simply select the bottom plate with a left mouse click, press the right mouse button, and select Properties. Here, you can adjust the level or thickness at any time.

5. Create a Section View for Verification

[10:00] Generate a Section View

• To thoroughly check your work, we will now create a section view. Select View > New section view from the top menu.
• Define the section line: Click the start point, hold CTRL for a straight horizontal or vertical line, click the end point, and use a third click to define the viewing direction. The section view will automatically open in a maximized window.

[11:00] Remove Hidden Lines for Clarity

• First, press the shortcut Home (or Pos 1) to trigger the Show all function, fitting the entire section into your screen.
• To make the drawing much clearer, deactivate the Environment layer in the right-hand Projects panel.
• Finally, perform a right mouse click directly inside the section view and select Properties. Tick the checkbox next to Hidden line removal and confirm with OK. As a result, you will see a clean, professional section of your newly created foundation.