IMPACT. How to use it correctly? BASEMENT

Enscape Requests, Issues, Discussions Enscape :: Ideas and Questions
1

Hello everyone.

I’m using IMPACT, which I think is a nice powerful tool. But I have a question about how measure correctly. In the specific: I have a basement level, all of it is practically considered condition space because there is a laundry, a gym, a home theater and a storage space for mechanical equipment which need to be ventilated and cooled, so, I need to keep it in the calculation. How should I include the basement in the IMPACT calculation? If I leave the topography around, IMPACT put the topography in the calculation. If I take away the topography then the sun hit the basement wall, and the calculation result incorrect. What should I do? Suggestion?

Question 2 is: what about OPEN SPACE. I have a big open space that doesn’t seems to be calculate (no color in the performance map). I read that room need to be defined. I have them defined by room separations because there are no wall in between. How this open space can be calculated with IMPACT?

Thank you

2

Hi @Giulia_C , allow me to share a dedicated response to each question:

Question 1: How Should I Include a Basement in the Impact Calculation?

Your basement is a conditioned space, so it should be included in the calculations. However, Impact does not calculate solar gains for spaces without windows, meaning any heat gain from direct sunlight won’t be a factor.

Recommended Approach:

• Ensure the terrain does not create enclosed spaces. If the terrain fully encloses the basement, Impact may misinterpret it as an interior space.

• You can hide the terrain layer if it interferes with the calculation.

• Impact will still consider the basement as a conditioned space, but its energy use may be slightly overestimated.

From a solar gains perspective, underground spaces are unlikely to be affected since they rarely have windows.The primary difference comes from ground vs. air temperature:

• Ground temperatures remain stable year-round, while air temperatures fluctuate.

• HVAC systems in basements operate with less intensity since external weather conditions have minimal impact.

• This could slightly overestimate energy use, but the effect is minor—especially in well-insulated buildings.

Upcoming Differentiation: With the introduction of Thermal Comfort analysis, Impact will also assess non-conditioned spaces separately, making it easier to differentiate between naturally ventilated and mechanically conditioned areas.

Question 2: How Can Open Spaces Be Calculated in Impact?

Impact detects rooms only if they are enclosed by architectural elements like walls or glazing.

How to Fix It:

• If the open space is not appearing in the analysis, check that it is fully enclosed by walls or glazing.

• If an open space is enclosed by curtain walls or glazing, Impact will treat it as a single room.

• For fully open areas, detection may not work as expected. If needed, temporarily model enclosing elements to ensure proper detection. Check the detected spaces by enabling the performance map.

If there are any further questions please let me know.