I N T R O D U C T I O N
Drawing elevations is one of the most enjoyable projects in architecture. As a student, though, you should keep in mind that a new employee very rarely gets to draw the main elevations. The architect or job captain usually draws the main elevations in the preliminary stage of design, and then a senior drafter gets to finish the elevations. As a beginner you may be introduced to elevations by making corrections resulting from design changes. Not a lot of creativity is involved in corrections, but it is a start. As you display your ability, you’ll most likely be involved in earlier stages of the drawing process. Elevations are drawn in three steps: layout, drawing, and lettering. When given a chance to complete the elevations, you will usually be given the preliminary design elevation or the designer’s sketch to use as a guide.
The layout of elevations will be similar when using manual methods or AutoCAD. The major difference is that when elevations are drawn using AutoCAD, the drawings can be drawn full-size, and aligned beside each other. The drawing sheet size will affect the scale, placement, and layout of elevations that are drawn manually. The drawing sheet should match the size used for the floor plan. Because C-sized paper is so commonly used in educational settings, these instructions will assume that the drawing is to be made on a
C-sized sheet. Usually two elevations cannot be placed side by side on C-sized material. Thus, you will not be able to use a side elevation for projecting heights onto the front or rear elevations. The following instructions will be given for drawing the front elevation at a scale of 1/4"
=
1'
−
0" (1:50) and the rear and both side elevations at a scale of 1/8"
=
1'
−
0" (1:100). Using two scales will require more steps than when all of the elevations are drawn at one scale. If you’re using a program such as AutoCAD, lay out the elevations in model space using full scale. The scale to be used when the drawings are plotted can be assigned to the viewport containing the drawings in paper space. Be sure to plan the plotting scale prior to adding annotation or dimensions to the drawings, because the scale will affect the display size of each item.
The layout process can be divided into three stages: overall-shape layout, roof layout, and layout of openings. Use construction lines for each stage.
STEP 1 Use the floor and roof plans as a guide to obtain all horizontal locations. If a roof plan has not been drawn, draw the outline of the roof shape on the print of the floor plan. For this drawing it will be assumed that 24" (600 mm) overhangs and a 12"
(300 mm) gable end wall overhang will be used.
Each horizontal measurement can be projected as shown in Figure 25-1.
See Figure 25-2 for Step 2 through Step 8.
STEP 2 Lay out a horizontal baseline to represent the finish grade.
STEP 3 Project construction lines down from the floor plan to represent the edges and each major jog of the house.
CADD APPLICATIONS
The layout and drawing of the elevations will be greatly affected by the method used to create the drawings.
If a program such as AutoCAD Architecture or Revit is used, the elevations will be generated from information supplied as the floor plan was drawn. The following discussion will assume the use of manual methods or
AutoCAD. ■
589

590 Architectural Drafting and Design
2nd FLOOR PLAN
1st FLOOR PLAN
FIGURE 251 With a print of the floor plans above the area where the elevations will be drawn, horizontal distances can be projected down to the elevation.
STEP 3
STEP 7
STEP 8
8' PLATE LINE
TOP OF WINDOWS
LINE OF FINISH FLOOR
STEP 6
STEP 5
STEP 8
STEP 4
SEE FIGURE
25-3
8' PLATE LINE
TOP OF WINDOW/DOORS
LINE OF FINISH FLOOR
STEP 3
FIGURE 252 Lay out of the overall shape of the front elevation.
STEP 3
LINE OF FINISH GRADE
STEP 2
STEP 3

Chapter 25: Elevation Layout and Drawing Techniques 591
3/4"
FLOOR JOIST
DEPTH VARIES
FROM 6"-12"
2"
PROJECTION LINES
2"
2"
SIDE VIEW OF ROOF
CEILING LINE
FIGURE 253 The height of the finish floor above grade will be determined by the type of floor-framing system. Exact framing sizes are often rounded up to the nearest inch in elevation drawings.
STEP 4 Establish the floor line. See Figure 25-3 for help in determining measurements if a wood floor is to be used. This home will have a concrete slab that is 8"
(200 mm) above finish grade.
STEP 5 Measure up from the floor line, and draw a line to represent the ceiling level. For this project a height of 8'
−
0" (2400 mm) will be used.
STEP 6
Measure up the depth of the floor joists to establish the floor level of the second floor. If the floor joist size has not been determined, assume that 10"
(250 mm) depth (2
×
10s) will be used.
STEP 7 Measure up from the second-floor line, and draw a line to represent the upper ceiling level.
For this residence, a height of 8' − 0" (2400 mm) will be used.
STEP 8 Measure up from each floor line 6'
−
8" (2000 mm), and draw a line to represent the tops of the windows and doors.
Because a side elevation is not being drawn beside the front elevation, there is no easy way to determine the true roof height. If the sections have been drawn before the elevations, the height from the ceiling to the ridge could be measured on one of the section drawings and then transferred to the elevations. Although this might save time, it also might duplicate an error.
If the roof was incorrect on the section drawing, the error will be repeated if dimensions are simply transferred from section to elevation.
The best procedure to determine the height of the roof in the front view is to lay out a side view lightly.
This can be done in the middle of what will become
FIGURE 254 When elevations are drawn side by side, heights can be projected with construction lines. When only one elevation is drawn, a side elevation will need to be drawn in the middle of what will become the front elevation.
the front view (see Figure 25-4). For this home, three different roofs must be drawn: the two-story area, the garage roof, and the porch roof. It would be best to lay out the porch roof last because it is a projection of the garage roof. The upper or garage roof can be drawn by following Step 9 through Step 19, shown in
Figure 25 5.
STEP 9 Place a line 1'
−
0" (300 mm) from the end of each wall to represent the edge of the roof for each gable end wall overhang.
STEP 10 Place a second line, 2'
−
0" (600 mm) from the same end wall to represent the extent of the overhang projection.
STEP 11 Lay out a line to represent the ridge. Because the lower floor is 36' wide (10 800 mm), the ridge will be 18' (5400 mm) from the front wall. For the upper roof, the ridge will be 15' (4500 mm) from the front wall.
STEP 12 Determine the roof slope. For this home, draw the roof at a 5/12 pitch. A 5/12 slope equals 22 1/2°.
For a complete explanation of pitches, refer to
Section 6 of this textbook.
STEP 13 Draw a line at the desired angle to represent the roof. This line will represent the bottom of the truss or rafter (see Figure 25 6).
STEP 14 Measure up 6" (150 mm) and draw a line parallel to the line just drawn, to represent the top of the roof-framing member. On the elevations, it is not important that the exact depth of the framing members be represented, as long as a uniform depth is used on all elevations for the project.

592 Architectural Drafting and Design
TRU E H E IGHT
O F RI D G E
R E P E AT
ST E P 1 0
SI DE VI E W
LA YO UT
R E P E AT ST E P 11
RI D G E L OC ATI O N
IN SI DE VI E W
R E P E AT
ST E P 9
ST E P 17
ST E P 1 8
THIS D ISTAN CE WILL BE EQ UAL T O
HALF TH E D ISTAN CE BE TW EE N TH E
SI DE WALLS O N TH E H O US E BE ING
D RAWN . TH E WALLS AR E 30 ' (9000 mm)
APART , S O TH E RI D G E WILL BE 1 5 '
( 4 500 mm) IN FR O M TH E E N D WALL .
ST E P 1 8
ST E P 11
ST E P 1 9
ST E P 1 6
ST E P 1 5
ST E P 9
ST E P 1 0
ST E P 14
ST E P 1 3
FIGURE 255 Layout of the roof shapes. When looking at a roof from the front, the true height cannot be determined without drawing a side elevation. If the roof pitch and the ridge location are known, the true height can be drawn quickly and accurately.
STEP 15 Establish the top of the roof. The true height of the roof can be measured where the line from Step 14 intersects the line from Step 11 (see Figure 25-5).
STEP 16 Establish the bottom of the eave. This can be determined from the intersection of the line from
Step 10 with the lines of Step 13 and Step 14.
STEP 17 Lay out the upper roof using the same procedure: Draw a partial side elevation and project exact heights.
The porch roof will be an extension of the garage roof, so much of the layout work has already been done.
Because the ends of the upper and garage roof extend
12" (300 mm), this distance will be maintained. Only the left end and the upper limits of the roof must be determined. The upper edge of the roof will be formed by the intersection of the roof and the wall for the upper floor. This height can be determined by following
Step 18 and Step 19.
STEP 18 Place a vertical line on the sloped lines (the lines from Step 13 and Step 14) to represent the distance from the garage wall to the front wall on the upper floor plan. For this project, the roof will travel a distance of 6' from the garage to the upper wall.
STEP 19 At the intersection of the lines from Step 14 and
Step 18, project a horizontal line to represent the top of the porch roof.
You now have the basic shape of the walls and roof blocked out. The only items remaining to be drawn are the door and window openings.
1 1/2" - 3"
T Y PICAL
RAFTER / WALL TRUSS / WALL
FIGURE 256 The layout of the roof incline will vary slightly, depending on whether trusses or rafters are used to frame the roof. The incline of a truss passes through the intersection of the ceiling and walls. Because the rafter must have at least 1 1/2" of bearing surface, the intersection of the rafter and wall must be adjusted slightly. If the notch in the rafter exceeds 3" (76 mm), the rafter may not be able to support its design loads. Future chapters will explore minimum framing requirements.
See Figure 25-7 for Step 20 through Step 23.
STEP 20 Project the width of all doors, windows, and skylights from their location on the floor plan.
STEP 21 Lay out the bottom of the windows and doors.
The doors should extend to the line representing the finished floor. Determine the depth of the windows from the window schedule, and draw a line to represent the correct depth.

Chapter 25: Elevation Layout and Drawing Techniques 593
STEP 22
STEP 20
TYPICAL
STEP 23
STEP 21
FIGURE 257 The widths of the doors, windows, and skylights can be projected from the floor and roof plans into the elevations.
Heights can be determined using the window schedule.
STEP 22 Determine the height of the skylights. This must be done by measuring the true size of the skylights on the line from Step 14, and then projecting this height to the proper location.
STEP 23 Draw the shape of the garage doors. Remember that the height of these doors is measured from the line representing the ground, not from the floor level.
You now have the front elevation blocked out. The same steps can be used to draw the right and left side and rear elevations. The major difference in laying out these elevations is that the widths of the walls, windows, and doors cannot be projected from the floor plan. To lay out these items, you will need to rely on the dimensions of the floor plan.
Start by drawing either side elevation. The side elevation can be drawn by following the procedure for the layout of the front elevation. Figure 25-8 shows a completed side elevation. Once this is drawn, use the side elevation to establish the heights for the other side and the rear elevation, as shown in Figure 25 9.
line widths and density, a more realistic elevation can be created.
A helpful procedure for completing the elevations manually is to begin to darken the lines at the top of the page first and work down the page to the bottom. You will be using a soft lead, which tends to smear easily. If the lower elevations are drawn first, prevent smearing them by covering them with a sheet of paper when they are complete.
Another helpful procedure for completing the elevations is to start at the top of one elevation and work toward the ground level. Also start by drawing surfaces that are in the foreground and work toward the background of the elevation. This procedure will help cut
After all of the elevations are drawn with construction lines, they must be completed with finished-quality lines. An H and 2H lead will provide good contrast for many of the materials. Ink and graphite will also produce a very nice effect. Methods of drawing the items required in elevations were discussed in Chapter 24.
Line quality cannot be overstressed. By using varied
FIGURE 258 The layout of a side elevation is similar to the layout of the front elevation.

594 Architectural Drafting and Design
FIGURE 259 With a side elevation drawn, heights for the rear and other side can be projected quickly.
down on erasing background items for items that are in the foreground. Figure 25-10 shows a completed front elevation. It can be drawn by following Step 24 through Step 28.
STEP 24 Draw the outline of all roofs.
STEP 25 Draw the roofing material.
STEP 26 Draw all windows and doors.
STEP 27 Draw all corner trim and posts.
STEP 28 Draw the siding.
At this point your front elevation is completely drawn. The same procedures can be used to finish the rear and side elevations, shown in Figure 25-11.
Note that only a small portion of the siding has been shown in these elevations. It is common practice to have the front elevation highly detailed and have the other elevations show just the minimum information for the construction crew.
FIGURE 2510 Drawing the front elevation manually using finished-quality lines. Features in the background such as the chimney are often omitted for clarity.
STEP 24
STEP 25
STEP 27
STEP 26
STEP 28
FIGURE 2511 Drawing small-scale elevations does not require drawing all of the finishing materials. The same procedures used on the front elevation can be used on the side and rear elevations.

Chapter 25: Elevation Layout and Drawing Techniques 595
With the elevations completely drawn, the material must now be specified. If the elevations are all on one page, a material needs to be specified on only one elevation. Use Figure 25-12 and Figure 25-13 as guides for placing notes and use abbreviations wherever possible to save space. The required notes include the following:
1.
Siding.
Generally the kind of siding, its thickness, and the backing material must be specified. For each of the following siding materials, the oriented strand board (OSB) or plywood may be provided or omitted, according to regional preferences. When the
OSB or plywood is omitted, the siding is installed directly over the vapor barrier and studs. Tyvek and 15# felt can be used interchangeably with the trade names of other vapor barriers. Siding examples include the following:
●
HORIZONTAL SIDING OVER 1/2" 13 MM OSB AND TYVEK.
●
HORIZONTAL SIDING OVER 3/8" 10 MM PLYWOOD AND
15# FELT.
●
HARDIPLANK LAP SIDING OVER . . .
●
HARDIE SHINGLESIDE W/ 8" 203 MM MAXIMUM EXPO
SURE OVER . . .
●
LP HORIZONTAL LAP SIDING OVER . . .
●
5/8" 16 MM T111 SIDING W/GROOVES  4" 100 MM
O.C. OVER . . .
●
1" 25 MM EXT. STUCCO OVER 15# FELT W/ 26 GAGE
LINE WIRE AT 24" 600 MM O.C. W/STUCCO WIRE MESH,
AND NO CORNER BEAD OVER . . .
●
CDEIFS EXTERIOR INSULATION AND FINISHING SYSTEM BY
DRYVIT. INSTALL AS PER MANUFACTURER SPECIFICATIONS.
●
MONTEREY SAND, NOVA IV VINYL SIDING BY ALSIDE OR
EQUAL INSTALLED OVER INSULATION BOARD AS PER MANU
FACTURER INSTRUCTIONS.
●
BRICK VENEER OVER 15# FELT OVER 1" 25 MM AIR
SPACE WITH 26 GAGE METAL TIES  24" 600 MM O.C.
 EACH STUD.
2.
Corner and decorative trims.
Common trim might include:
●
1 × 4 25 × 100 R.S. CORNER TRIM.
●
PROVIDE CORNER BEAD FOR STUCCO OR PLASTER
APPLICATIONS.
●
OMIT CORNER BEAD FOR STUCCO OR PLASTER
APPLICATIONS.
3.
Chimney height.
An example:
●
2' 600 MM MINIMUM ABOVE ANY ROOF WITHIN 10'
3000 MM.
4.
Flatwork.
This would include any decks or concrete patios. Include rail material, vertical material, and spacing such as: no boldface
●
2 × 6 50 × 150 DFL SMOOTH RAIL WITH 2 × 2 50 × 50
VERTICALS  4" 100 MM MAXIMUM CLEAR.
●
6 × 6 150 × 150 DECORATIVE POSTS.
●
2 × 6 50 × 150 CEDAR DECKING LAID FLAT WITH 1/4"
6 MM GAP BETWEEN.
235 # COMPOSITION SHINGLES OVER
15 # FELT. INSTALL AS PER MANUF. SPECS.
1 X 8 R. S FASCIA
LINE OF
FINISH CEILING
VINYL SHUTTERS
1 X 4 R.S.
CORNER TRIM
LINE OF FIN. FLOOR
L.P. HORIZ.
SIDING OVER
TYVEK AND
1/2" WAFERBOARD
LINE OF FIN. FLOOR
BRICK VENEER OVER 1" AIR SPACE &
TYVEK OVER 1/2" WAFERBOARD. USE 26 GA.
METAL TIES @ 24" O.C. @ EA. STUD.
1/4" 1'-0"
4" CONCRETE FLAT WORK
SLOPE 1/4"/12" AWAY FROM
STRUCTURE.
FIGURE 2512 Annotation and dimensions should be on the front elevation to describe each material.

596 Architectural Drafting and Design
2X8 BARGE RAFTER
235# COMPO. SHINGLES
OVER 15# FELT
3
12
1X3 R.S.
TRIM
5/8" T1-11 PLY
SIDING OVER 15# FELT
SIDE REAR
1/8" 1'-0"
SIDE
FIGURE 2513 In addition to specifying materials in the front elevation, each feature should be specified in one of the remaining smaller elevations.
●
W.I. RAILING WITH VERTICAL  4" 100 MM CLEAR MAXIMUM.
●
4" 100 MM  CONCRETE FLATWORK.
5.
Posts and headers .
6.
Fascias and barge rafters .
7.
Roof material . For example:
●
235# COMPOSITION SHINGLES OVER 15# FELT.
●
300# COMPOSITION SHINGLES OVER 15# FELT.
●
MEDIUM CEDAR SHAKES OVER 15# FELT WITH 30# ×
18" 450 MM  WIDE FELT BETWEEN EACH COURSE WITH
10 1/2" 265 MM  EXPOSURE.
●
METAL ROOFING BY GIVE MANUFACTURER’S NAME, TYPE
OF PRODUCT, GAGE, AND COLOR. INSTALL AS PER MANU
FACTURER SPECIFICATIONS.
●
CONCRETE TILE ROOF GIVE MANUFACTURER’S NAME,
STYLE, COLOR, AND WEIGHT OF TILE; E.G., CHESTNUT BROWN,
CLASSIC 100 CONCRETE ROOF TILE  950# PER SQ.  BY
MONIER OVER 15# FELT. INSTALL AS PER MANUFACTURER
SPECIFICATIONS.
8.
Roof pitch.
Place a roof pitch symbol in elevations where the angle of the roof can be seen.
9.
Dimensions . The use of dimensions on elevations varies greatly from office to office. Some companies place no dimensions on elevations, using the sections to show all vertical heights. Other companies show the finished floor lines on the elevations and dimension floor-to-ceiling levels. Unless your instructor tells you otherwise, place the floor-to-ceiling dimensions on the elevations.
The roof shape can be projected from the roof plan or from an overlay of the roof placed on the floor plan.
Figure 25-4 through Figure 25-7 provide examples for projecting a simple roof. Gable roofs often have irregular-sized overhangs, overhangs of varied shapes, and altered rooflines and roof intersections that must be represented on the elevations. Figure 25-14 shows a small overhang at the gable end wall and a larger overhang where the truss or rafter tails are perpendicular to the support wall. The elevation was created by drawing the roof on the right side first to establish the incline of the roof. The intersection of the 1' and 2' (300 and 600 mm) overhangs was established by projecting their location in the roof plan down to the incline in the elevation.
A similar process can be used by projecting heights from one elevation to another. Figure 25-15 shows a portion of a roof plan with a 12" (300 mm) wide overhang at the gable end wall and a 24" (600 mm) wide overhang.
Once the inclined plane is drawn, the heights of the
1' and 2' (300 and 600 mm) overhangs can be projected into other elevations.
Projecting the intersection of the chimney with the roof is another matter that often frustrates new drafters. To project the true height of a chimney easily, the height must be drawn in an elevation where the angle of the roof can be seen. Figure 25-16 shows the process. The chimney must be 24" (600 mm) above any portion of the structure that is within 10' (3000 mm) of the chimney. The height is determined by measuring
10' (3000 mm) from the center of the flue, and then measuring 24"(600 mm) above this point. Once the height of the chimney above the roof has been determined, it can be projected into other elevations where the roof pitch can’t be seen. Remember that the inner face of the chimney does not align with the outer face of the structure.
Figure 25-17A shows a gable roof with a modified
Dutch hip. The gable wall of a full Dutch hip roof is usually set back several feet from the wall of the structure. Figure 25-17B shows methods of projecting the

Chapter 25: Elevation Layout and Drawing Techniques 597
OVERHANG 1
OVERHANG 2
B
A C
X
ROOF TO WALL
INTERSECTION
1'-0"
2'-0"
FIGURE 2515 The intersection of different-sized overhangs can be projected from one elevation to another.
PROJECTION
OF OVERHANG
FIGURE 2514 The intersection of different-sized overhangs can be projected from the roof plan to the elevations. Once the incline of the roof is established, the small overhang (represented by line A ) can be projected down until it intersects the roof angle. The distance that the lower roof extends past the upper roof ( A to C ) will vary, depending on the design.
X represents the distance between where the roof intersects the outline of the wall and the end of the eave. This overhang
( X ) is usually equal to overhang 1.
projection of an irregularly shaped home can be seen in Figure 25 20. See Section 6 for an explanation of how the roof plan is drawn. Once the roof plan has been determined, it can be drawn on a print of the floor plan, and the intersections of the roof can be projected to the elevation.
overhangs into an elevation. A similar projection method is used to project eaves that appear to wrap around the corner of a structure, as in Figure 25-18A .
The overhangs can be projected as shown in Figure 25-18B .
Figure 25-19A shows a gable modified with a small hip. Figure 25-19B shows the process for projecting the hip into the elevation. Projecting a bay roof is similar to projecting a hip roof (see Figure 25-19C) .
10-0"
Not all plans will have walls constructed at 90° to each other. When the house has an irregular shape, a floor plan and a roof plan will be required to draw the elevations. The process is similar to the process just described but will require more patience in projecting all of the roof and wall intersections. The FIGURE 2516 The intersection of the chimney with the roof.

598 Architectural Drafting and Design
FIGURE 2517A Gable roof with an eave similar to a Dutch hip roof.
FIGURE 2518B Representing corner eaves.
FIGURE 2517B Projection of a gable roof with a continuous eave.
FIGURE 2519A Gable roof with a partial hip.
FIGURE 2518A Gable roof with corner eaves.
FIGURE 2519B Representing a gable roof with a partial hip.

Chapter 25: Elevation Layout and Drawing Techniques
PROJECTION
ROOF
LINE OF CEILING
SIDE VIEW FRONT VIEW
FIGURE 2519C Projecting a bay window is similar to projecting a hip roof.
WALL
PROJECTION
WINDOW
PROJECTION
599
DISTANCE B
A
B
C
FIGURE 2520 When drawing the elevations of a structure with an irregular shape, great care must be taken with the projection methods. This elevation was prepared using the outline of the roof and the floor plan and then projecting the needed intersections down to the drawing area. Notice that on the right side of the elevation, a line at the required angle has been drawn to represent the proper roof angle for establishing the true heights.

600 Architectural Drafting and Design
100.00
95.00'
100.00'
95.00'
FIGURE 2521 Projecting grades is similar to the method used to project rooflines. This elevation was drawn by using the information on the roof, floor, and grading plans. For clarity, only the projection lines for the grades are shown.
The term grade is used to describe the shape of the finish ground. Projecting ground levels is required on elevations when a structure is being constructed on a hillside. Figure 25-21 shows the layout of a hillside residence. To complete this elevation, a site, floor, and roof plan were used to project locations. Usually the grading plan and the floor plan are drawn at different scales.
The easiest method of projecting the ground level onto the elevation is to measure the distance on the site plan from one contour line to the next. This distance can then be marked on the floor plan and projected onto the elevation.
CADD APPLICATIONS
DRAWING ELEVATIONS WITH AUTOCAD
Drawing exterior elevations with AutoCAD is similar to techniques used to draw elevations manually. With manual drafting, lines are projected from the floor plan to create the shapes for the elevations. This was shown in Figure 25-1 through
Figure 25-9. With CADD, the same thing is done using a computer. After the floor plan is drawn, freeze all layers that are not relevant to the exterior of the residence.
Make a block of the floor plan. Set the drawing limits large enough so that the block of the floor can be inserted and rotated; in this way, each elevation can be projected from the floor plan using techniques similar to manual methods (see Figure 25-22).
Drawing Finished-Quality Lines with AutoCAD
Once the roof and wall locations have been projected, the locations of doors and windows can be determined.
Windows and doors representing specific styles can be created and stored as blocks in a library and then inserted as needed. Trees and bushes can also be created as blocks and inserted as needed. Once the design is

Chapter 25: Elevation Layout and Drawing Techniques
CADD APPLICATIONS
601
FIGURE 2522 Use a block of the relevant parts of the floor and roof plans to line out each of the exterior elevations. Keep the elevations aligned so that projections can be made from one elevation to the next. Once the shapes have been projected, doors, windows, and other elements can be added. The completed elevations can be moved into any position for plotting.
completed, the elevations can be moved into the desired position for presentation and plotting. Figure 25-23 shows an elevation created using AutoCAD.
After the outlines for all of the elevations have been completed, objects must be assigned to various layers with varied line weights. Line variation is just as important when using a CADD program as it is when drawing manually.
Using varied line widths will create a more realistic elevation.
Using varied layers will help in controlling objects as the drawings are completed. Use the file from the Student CD
SUPPLEMENTAL READING/ CHAPTER 7/ SUGGESTED LAYER
NAMES as a guide for creating the layers for this drawing.
Although not all layers listed in that file may be needed for a simple home, create the following layers for keeping track of features as the elevations are completed:
ELEV ANNO Text
ELEV DIMS Roof pitch and dimensions
ELEV FND Dashed lines
ELEV OUTL Use this layer as a non-plotting layer
ELEV PATT Hatch patterns for roofing, masonry and siding
ELEV ROOF Roof outlines (texture added to ridge and rakes for shakes or tile)
ELEV THCK Thick, continuous line
ELEV WALL Wall outlines—Additional layers can be added if additional colors or thicknesses are to be assigned to objects.
Before starting the final drawing process, determine a method of attack. Possible drawing orders include:
1. Top to bottom: Complete the roof, walls, and foundation.
2. Front to back: Draw items closest to the viewing plane and then work into the background.
3. Materials-based: Draw in groups based on materials such as roof, walls, windows, doors, and ground.
The following example will be completed by using method three by completing the front elevation, and then completing each of the remaining elevations.
STEP 1 Set the ELEV PATT layer as the current layer and use the appropriate pattern to represent the desired roofing material. If AutoCAD can’t determine the appropriate boundary, represent the desired boundary with a
POLYLINE placed on the ELEV OUTL layer.
STEP 2 If wood shingles or concrete tile will be used, make the ELEV ROOF layer current and represent the material on the ridge and rake.
STEP 3 Set the ELEV OUTL layer as the current layer and provide boundaries as needed to represent any required outlines for masonry patterns.
STEP 4 Set the ELEV PATT layer as the current layer and represent all desired masonry patterns.
STEP 5 Set the ELEV WALL layer as the current layer and represent all corner trim.
STEP 6 Use the OFFSET command to establish the bottom of the siding and trim based on their position relative to the finished floor line.
STEP 7 Draw all required posts, columns, railings, and decorative trim.
STEP 8 Draw lines to represent the edge of the foundation below the siding. Offset the foundation edge in
1 unit from the edge of the corner trim.

602 Architectural Drafting and Design
CADD APPLICATIONS
235 # COMPOSITION SHINGLES OVER
15 # FELT.
F. SPECS.
VINYL SHUTTERS
LINE OF
FINISH CEILING
1 X 4 R.S.
CORNER TRIM
LINE OF FIN. FLOOR
L.P. HORIZ .
SIDING OVER
TYVEK AND
1/2" WAFERBO ARD
LINE OF FIN. FLOOR
TYVEK OVER 1/2" WAFERBO ARD. USE 26 GA.
METAL TIES @ 24" O .C. @ EA. STUD.
4" CONCRETE FLAT WORK
Y FROM
STRUCTURE.
1/4" 1'-0"
235# COMPO. SHINGLES
LL
2 X 8 BARGE RAFTER
3
12
1 X 3 R.S..
TRIM
SIDE REAR
1/8" 1'-0"
FIGURE 2523 The completed elevations reading assembled for plotting.
LL
SIDING OVER 15# FELT
SIDE
STEP 9 Draw all required decorative trim such as window or door trim, shutters, wall vents, and cupolas.
STEP 10 Draw all required steps, flatwork, patios, and decks.
STEP 11 Represent the finished floor and finished ceiling lines with center or phantom lines.
STEP 12 Use the ARRAY, OFFSET, or COPY commands to represent the required siding pattern. Use the TRIM command as required to remove lines representing the siding from windows, doors, or other areas where siding is not required.
STEP 13 Use the BREAK command to place breaks in the ground line each time a different plane occurs. Extend the grade approximately 3 units past the plane closest to the viewing plane.
STEP 14 Use the PROPERTIES command and assign varied line weights to the ground lines. Use a weight of approximately 100 for lines closest to the viewing plan, with each receding distance represented by a thinner line.
At this point your front elevation is completely drawn and should resemble Figure 25-10. The same procedures can be used to finish the rear and side elevations, shown in Figure 25-11. Use the COPY command whenever possible to copy trim, siding, blocks, and hatch patterns.
Note that only a small portion of the siding has been shown in these elevations.
Adding Annotation and Dimensions with AutoCAD
With the elevations completely drawn, the material must now be specified. Although you’re still working in model space, it is important to remember that the drawings will be plotted in paper space. If your drawings will be

Chapter 25: Elevation Layout and Drawing Techniques 603
CADD APPLICATIONS plotted at a scale of 1/4"
=
1'
−
0", use a text height of 6".
Use a text height of 12" for elevations that will be plotted at a scale of 1/8"
=
1'
−
0". The local notes placed using
AutoCAD will be the same notes described earlier in this chapter. If the elevations are all on one page, a material needs to be specified on only one elevation. Spread the required notes equally among each elevation. The dimensions can be placed on any of the four elevations as space allows.
If the elevations are to be plotted on multiple pages, each material will need to be specified on each page. Use
Figure 25-12 and Figure 25-13 as guides for placing notes and dimensions.
NOTE: If you’re using AutoCAD 2008 or a newer release, use the Annotative feature so that the text can be adjusted if the plotting scale needs to be altered.
Preparing For Plotting
As you created the elevations you’ve been working in model space at full scale. The final stage of drawing the elevations is to place the elevations in a viewport in paper space. At least two options are available for proceeding. These include:
1. Open a viewport and move the elevations to the desired position.
2. Open a viewport and place copies of the elevations in the desired position.
Option 1 is easier and faster if no changes will ever be made to the elevations. Since life is uncertain, option 2 offers future advantages if the elevations need to be changed. Keeping the elevations in their inline position will allow the future alterations to be made if the design is changed. No matter which option is selected, prepare the drawings for plotting by:
STEP 1 Creating the needed number of viewports based on the required plotting scales to be used.
STEP 2 Making model space inside the viewport active.
STEP 3 Centering the desired elevation inside the viewport.
Repeat Step 1 through Step 3 if multiple viewports are required. Be sure to use the VIEWPORT toolbar to accurately adjust the plotting scale and to set the
PSLTSCALE factor to 0 so that the appropriate line type will be displayed. Once all elevations have been displayed for plotting, return the template to paper space and verify that the scale of 1/1 is current. The drawings are now ready for plotting.
ALTERNATIVE ELEVATIONS
Many homes such as those that will be constructed in a subdivision are designed to be built more than once, and they require alternative facades. Figure 25-24 and
Figure 25-25 show examples of alternative elevations that were created by using the same basic floor plan, but altering the exterior materials. Minor changes would be required to the floor plan to reflect the different materials used for the columns and railings. Figure 25-26 and Figure 25-27 show examples of alternative elevations that were created using varied roof designs. Each of these drawings was created using the same step-bystep process as the elevation in Figure 25-10. If they are drawn using manual drafting, much of the information such as wall and opening locations would need to be traced from the original elevation. By using a CADD program, information common to all three drawings can be placed on a base layer, with information specific to each roof plan placed on separate layers. Figure 25-28 shows another possible elevation that could be created by altering the floor plan. To create this elevation, the bedroom and the dressing area would need to be flopped. This is a change that would be quite extensive using manual drawing, but could be completed very quickly using a CADD program. ■

604
CADD APPLICATIONS
TT
& FINISHING SYSTEM
BY DR YVIT
FIN. CEIL.
BURNT RED MISSION
Y
Architectural Drafting and Design
1 X 8 R. S FASCIA
FIN. FLR
FIN. CEIL.
FIN. FLR
LL
W/ GROOVES @ 4" O.C.
1 X 6 R. S. HORIZ.
TRIM ABOVE / BELOW
EA. WINDOW.
4" CONCRETE FLAT WORK
1/4" 1'-0"
FIGURE 2524 This alternative elevation was created by making minor changes including changing the siding, porch roof, and the type and shape of the porch support columns.
FIN. CEILING
1 X 6 R. S.
FASCIA
FIN. FLOOR
FIN. CEIL.
300# COMPO. SHINGLES
1 X 4 R.S. TRIM
FIN. FLOOR
4" CONCRETE FLAT WORK
1/4" 1'-0"
FIGURE 2525 This alternative elevation was created by making minor changes to the porch roof, and the type and shape of the porch support columns, and by adding decorative railings.

Chapter 25: Elevation Layout and Drawing Techniques 605
CADD APPLICATIONS
BURNT RED MISSION
Y
FIN. CEIL.
6 X 8 R.S.
BEAMS @ 32" O.C.
FIN. FLR
FIN. CEIL.
AA
& FINISHING SYSTEM
RR YVIT .
12
6
FIN. FLR
5/8" T-1-11 PL LL Y SIDING
W/ GROOVES @ 4" O.C.
1 X 6 R.S. HORIZ
TRIM ABOVE/BELOW
1/4" 1'-0"
4" CONCRETE FLAT WORK
FIGURE 2526 An elevation with a hip roof can be created from the base elevation with minor editing using a computer program.
If created manually, the entire elevation would have had to be redrawn.
300 # COMPOSITION SHINGLES
VINYL SHUTTERS
FIN. CEILING
1 X 4 R.S.
CORNER TRIM
FIN. FLOOR
FIN. FLOOR
BRICK VENEER 4" CONCRETE FLAT WORK
PP
SIDING
1/4" 1'-0"
FIGURE 2527 By using AutoCAD to edit the base drawing, this elevation featuring a Dutch hip roof was created easily.

606
CADD APPLICATIONS
Architectural Drafting and Design
FIGURE 2528 Making modifications to the floor plan allowed this plan elevation to be created. Using a computer program, the master bedroom and the dressing area were flopped allowing a window to be added to the left side of the elevation. The master bath was extended to align with the lower floor, allowing the upper portion of the home to be broken into three different planes. Using a CADD program, an alternative floor plan could be quickly added to the working drawings to explain the required changes.
❑
Set up your drawings so that the front elevation is plotted at 1/4"
=
1'
−
0" and the side/rear/side elevations are at 1/8"
=
1'
−
0".
❑
Use an architectural font for all text.
❑
Make all notes 1/8" and all titles 1/4" high.
❑
Proper orthographic layout.
❑
Coordination with roof plan by showing all ridges, hips, valleys, and turrets.
❑
Coordination with floor plan by showing all walls, doors, and windows.
❑
Horizontal alignment of all eaves.
❑
Siding materials:
❑
Proper hatch pattern and scale for roof.
❑
Proper hatch pattern and scale for veneer.
❑
Veneer to extend to grade.
❑
Horizontal siding and corner trim.
❑ Show ground slope and step siding when within 8"
(200 mm) of grade.
❑
Finish floor line / bottom of siding relationship (siding to overlap concrete).
❑
Show corner trim and bottom of siding on entire small-scale elevations.
❑ Show skylights.
❑ Swing direction for casement windows.
❑
Show and specify all support posts, beams, and railings for deck where required.

Chapter 25: Elevation Layout and Drawing Techniques
❑ Specify all materials in front elevations.
❑
Specify all materials on the three small elevations.
❑
Specify door and window sizes by placing the appropriate symbol on each elevation.
❑
Specify roof material.
❑ Specify fascia and barge rafter sizes.
❑
Specify siding, overlay, and trim.
❑
Specify all concrete flatwork, stairs, and patios.
607
❑
Specify decks, rails, and required support posts.
❑
Provide a title and scale for each elevation.
❑
Floor to ceiling (dimension an example of each plate height).
❑
Chimney: ridge 10'/2' (3000 mm / 600 mm).
❑ Roof pitch.
See CD for more information
DIRECTIONS: Answer the questions with short, complete statements or drawings as needed on an 8 1/2" × 11" sheet of notebook paper, as follows:
1. Letter your name, Chapter 25 Test, and the date at the top of the sheet.
2. Letter the question number and provide the answer.
You do not need to write out the question. Answers may be prepared on a word processor if course guidelines allow it.
Question 25–1 Who typically draws the main elevations of a structure? Explain.
Question 25–2 List methods of projecting heights from one elevation to another.
Question 25–3 What scales are normally used to draw elevations?
Question 25–4 What is the best method of determining the height of a roof when it is being viewed in a manner that does not show the pitch?
Question 25–5 What lines should be drawn first when finished-line quality is being used?
Question 25–6 What drawings are required to project grades onto an elevation? Briefly explain the process.
Question 25–7 What drawings are required to draw a structure with an irregular shape?
Question 25–8 Sketch the method of showing the chimney height, and provide the minimum dimensions that must be shown.
Question 25–9 What dimensions are typically shown on elevations?
Question 25–10 What angle is used to represent a 4/12 pitch?
DIRECTIONS
1. Use the sketch from Chapter 18, and draw the required elevations. The sketches do not contain all of the features represented on the floor plans and elevations. Draw the elevations so they coordinate with other drawings to be included in the drawing set.
2. Draw the required elevations using the same type and size of drawing material that you used to draw your floor plan.
3. Design the structure using materials suitable for your area.
4. Refer to your floor plan to determine all sizes and locations.
If you find material that cannot be located using your floor plan, make additions to your floor plan as required.
5. Refer to the text of this chapter and notes from class lectures to complete the drawings.
6. When your drawing is complete, turn in a copy to your instructor for evaluation.