In Revit, we can create different individual and multi-layered walls but did you know you can also create a Stacked Wall? As Revit Walls are system-based families, you can create different Basic Walls and merge them into a Stacked Wall element.
Stacked Walls consist of at least two or more sub-walls stacked on each other. This feature is beneficial when it comes to modeling different wall thicknesses, heights, and materials combined. The sub-walls are attached and their geometry is joined.
Table of Contents
In this article, I will explain the fundamentals of a Stacked Wall, and how to create a Stacked Wall in Revit. Moreover, I will explain how to modify Stacked Walls.
Stacked Walls Overview
In Revit, we have three main types of walls available, which are the Basic Wall, Curtain Wall, and Stacked Wall. In this article, we will focus on the Stacked Wall type which at least contains two or more Basic Wall types stacked on each other.
The Stacked Wall can have different sub-wall types with different thicknesses, heights, and materials, or even sub-walls with wall sweeps and reveals. All sub-walls are attached, forming a unified element.
Note
The Stacked Wall feature in Revit allows you to add only Basic Wall types. It doesn’t support adding other types or loadable families.
Checklist for Stacked Walls
Revit’s Stacked Walls are a great feature for modeling walls of varying thicknesses and heights, etc. However, it’s important to note that they also come with a set of limitations and drawbacks. Before creating Stacked Walls, it’s important to consider some rules and guidelines.
| Rule / Guideline | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Shared constraints | The Stacked Wall type controls the base constraint of sub-walls, even when they are on different levels. |
| 2. Not Schedulable | Stacked Wall types do not appear in schedules. Thankfully, you can schedule the sub-walls within the stacked wall type. |
| 3. Shared profile | When you edit the main Wall profile it affects all sub-walls. If you break up the Stacked Wall the profile remains on all sub-walls. |
| 4. Selecting | When holding the mouse cursor on the Stacked Wall, you highlight the entire Stacked Wall. To select a sub-wall, you can use the tab button. |
| 5. Embedding | You are allowed to embed a Stacked Wall into other walls or curtain panels. |
| 6. Shared Phase / Workset / Design Option | Sub-walls cannot differ from Stacked Walls in phase, workset, or design option. |
| 7. Wall Sweep and Reveal | You are not allowed to add Wall Sweeps or Reveals to Stacked Walls. Fortunately, you can add a Wall Sweep in a sub-wall. |
| 8. Primary Host | When using Stacked Walls with varying sub-wall thicknesses, consider switching the Primary Host for proper Door and Window alignment. |
| 9. Shared Slanted Wall | Stacked Walls share the Slanted type property, preventing you from modifying the slant angle of sub-walls. |
| 10. Tapered wall not supported | Revit does not support the Tapered Wall function for Stacked Walls. |
| 11. Edit Type Properties | You can edit the Type Properties of sub-walls by selecting them with the tab button and go to the Properties Browser > Edit Type. |
Create Stacked Wall
For creating a Stacked Wall, make sure to have at least two or more Basic Walls you can choose from. Revit’s standard template comes with a lot of preset Wall types. You can customize an existing standard or duplicate it to create a new one.
After setting up some Basic Walls you can continue to create a Stacked Wall by following the steps I outlined below. In the example, I duplicate an existing Stacked Wall.
- Open the Architecture tab > Build panel
- Click Wall (default shortcut: WA)
- Go to the Type Selector in the Properties Browser and click on it
- Select a predefined Stacked Wall
- Click on Edit Type
- In the Type Properties dialog, you can Duplicate the existing type
- Give the new Type a Name > Click OK
- Go to the Structure Parameter and click Edit… in the Value column > Edit Assembly dialog opens
- In the Edit Assembly dialog, Click on the Preview button to see your creation while changing properties.
- Click on Insert to add a new Basic Wall
- Choose a type from the dropdown menu
- Adjust the Height settings (In the example I set it to Variable) > Click OK
You are now ready to add the wall to your model and review the newly created Stacked Wall.
Optional: You can also Delete, Flip, Offset, or adjust the order of the sub-walls by using the Up and Down buttons. Notice that the Base layer corresponds to the lowest Wall, while the Top of the Stacked Wall is the highest layer in the list.
The wall with the Height set to Variable changes with the base and top constraint of the Stacked Wall, while the remaining walls will maintain their predetermined heights. You can only set one wall layer to Variable per Stacked Wall type.
Tip
When the Top and Base values are set to 0.0 and greyed out, you need to unconstrain the Basic Wall by changing its Type properties if you want to give it an offset.
Modify Stacked Wall
When you have set and placed a Stacked Wall in Revit, you can change its Instance properties. Moreover, it’s possible to make changes to the sub-wall Instance properties. Note that, for sub-walls, you can only make changes to the Room Boundary and Structural Usage parameters.
To change the Type properties of the sub-walls follow the steps I outlined below:
- Move the cursor over the Stacked Wall and hold it on the sub-wall (from any view)
- Use the
Tabbutton to cycle > Left-click the sub-wall to highlight it - Go to the Properties Browser > Select Edit Type
An alternative way to change the Type Properties is by going to the Wall function > select Basic Wall you are using in the Stacked Wall type > Edit Type.
Breaking Up Stacked Wall Revit
Sometimes, it may be necessary to disassemble the Stacked Wall configuration to gain more precise control over its sub-walls. To Break Up the Stacked Wall, follow the steps below:
- Select the Stacked Wall in Revit
- Right-click > Select Break Up
Note
Breaking up a Stacked Wall in Revit is a one-way action, and once done, there is no reassemble tool available for restacking. The only way to regain the Stacked Wall is by using the “Redo” function to reverse your previous action.
Pick Primary Host
When placing a window or door within a Stacked Wall with varying sub-wall thicknesses, it may be necessary to adjust the primary host for proper alignment and detailing. To change the Primary Host follow the steps written below:
- Select the element (door in this case)
- Go to Modify | Doors > Click Primary Host
- Select the sub-wall you’d like to host the element to
Wrapping Up
To save time, you can use the Stacked Wall function in Revit which contains at least two or more Basic Walls. The Stacked Wall is useful for combining different wall thicknesses, heights, and materials. To ensure optimal results, it’s recommended to review the guidelines and rules for Stacked Walls before usage.
I hope this article helped you to understand how Stacked Walls work in Revit and how to create them. Feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions, tips, or tricks I did not mention.
